Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Showing Support for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 27, 2017
One in four women in Northern Ireland have at some point in their life been a victim of domestic violence. The number of incidents reported by male victims is also increasing each year with one in nine men suffering from domestic violence or abuse during their lifetime.
Organisations such as Women’s Aid, Victim Support and PSNI provide expert support to those living with abuse. To increase the role it plays in tackling the issue, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has designated all its open facilities as Safe Places. Staff are trained to respond to anyone seeking information regarding domestic violence or abuse and information is readily available.
The Council works in partnership with Onus, a Social Enterprise offering specialist training and consultancy services on domestic violence and abuse, to provide a Safe Place for the public to access information on local, expert services in the fight against domestic violence.
In 2015, it was recognised and presented with the Onus Gold Workplace Charter at the Onus Workplace Charter Awards to acknowledge its work in tackling domestic abuse. The Council gained further recognition in 2016 when it retained the Charter. Awards for 2017 take place in November with the Council hoping to be awarded for the third consecutive year. The Award signifies the Council’s acknowledgment that domestic violence exists as a serious problem in Northern Ireland and can impact on staff at any level in the organisation
Chairman of the Public Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Aaron McIntrye said, “The PCSP has domestic violence firmly on its agenda and I would encourage anyone suffering from domestic violence or abuse to seek the necessary help and support. The Partnership continues to actively support victims of domestic violence and this is evidenced by our financial support to Women’s Aid to fund a Domestic Violence Worker at Lisburn PSNI Station. This worker has been of great support to victims who come forward to the Police.”
Alderman Tommy Jeffers, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee, said, “The Council is committed to supporting those who may be affected by domestic abuse. It strives to take the appropriate measures to ensure that it is a Safe Place for anyone who may be a victim of this crime and offers advice and support for those in need.
“Our partnership with Onus means we can support policymaking to make a positive difference to the lives of men and women throughout our local community,” said Alderman Jeffers.
Established in 2007 Onus, Onus developed the Workplace Charter on Domestic Violence to enable organisations and communities to be recognised for their support to anyone affected by domestic violence or abuse, either from a partner or a family member.
If you are a victim of domestic violence and abuse would like to access support, you can contact the 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 802 1414 or email: 24hrsupport@dvhelpline.org