Call for views on strategies to end abuse and violence extended

Date published: 09 February 2022

The Call for Views on two new Executive strategies has been extended by two weeks.

Justice Minister Naomi Long pictured

The new closing date for views on the strategies aimed at tackling violence against women and girls and domestic and sexual abuse is now March 21.

Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Robin Swann made the announcement as part of the Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week. 

The Calls for Views stresses the Executive’s commitment to tackling these critical issues and creating a society where everyone is safe and protected from all forms of violence and abuse.

Members of the public including: victims and survivors, practitioners, academics and those in frontline services are encouraged to make their voices heard. Those within minority communities are particularly encouraged to express their views and lived experiences.

The Equally Safe Strategy: A Strategy to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls, from the Executive Office, is being designed to address societal attitudes, beliefs and behaviours.

The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy, from the Departments of Health and Justice, seeks to adopt an inclusive approach and apply to all victims, regardless of gender or gender identity.

The calls for views is supported by wide ranging engagement with key statutory and voluntary sector stakeholders. Responses to the confidential calls for views surveys will form the basis of two evidence-based strategies.

Justice Minister, Naomi Long said: “It is important that we hear from as many people as possible, through the range of engagement channels that have been put in place.  This includes surveys for the public and victims, a written response form, as well as stakeholder focus groups and public engagement events.  We would encourage those that are interested to attend these events and provide their views on the way forward.”

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “The response to the Call for Views has so far been very positive with around 500 online surveys already completed.   We want as many people as possible to input to this important piece of work. Please do share your views and your experience to help shape the development of these new strategies.”

The public engagement events will be held online on:  

  • Thursday 10 February 10.00am – 12 noon
  • Tuesday 22 February 2.00pm – 4.00pm
  • Wednesday 23 February 10.00am – 12 noon
  • Thursday 24 February 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Tickets can be booked on the Eventbrite Website at  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/call-for-views-new-strategies-dsa-and-vawg-public-events-tickets-251825856917.

The call for views paper, covering both strategies, is available here: https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/doj/call-for-views-dsa-strategy-vawg-strategy-response.

Notes to editors: 

1. Engagement on the Call for Views will now last for ten weeks, ending on Monday 21 March.

2. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse (DSA) helpline is available 24/7, for both men and women on 0808 8021414. It’s free and confidential.

3. Web chat is also available at dsahelpline.org or email help@dsahelpline.org

4. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via www.childline.org.uk

5. Emotional and practical support is available from Victim Support NI if you have been affected by any type of crime.  Contact the Belfast Hub on 028 9024 3133 or email belfast@victimsupportni.org.uk. Contact the Foyle Hub on 028 7137 0086 or email: foyle@victimsupportni.org.uk

6. If you need help from the police call 101. In an emergency always call 999. If you are scared to speak, a 'silent solution' exists to press 55 when prompted. This allows police to know it is a genuine emergency.

7. Department of Health media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Health Press Office via email to: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk

8. Department of Justice media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via email to: press.office@justice-ni.gov.uk

9 The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

10. Media enquiries to The Executive Office press office via email: press.office@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk

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