The Ministers of Justice and Health today launched a new small grants scheme aimed at reducing domestic and sexual abuse.
The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Small Grant Scheme is a new initiative under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy and has been designed to support community and voluntary organisations in their essential work with victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse.
Speaking of the launch, Justice Minister, Naomi Long MLA, said:
“We recognise the critical role played by voluntary and community organisations and local domestic and sexual abuse partnerships in not only providing vital support to victims and survivors, but also in contributing invaluable knowledge, skills, and expertise to shape strategic, policy, and operational responses. This grant scheme represents an opportunity to further empower these organisations and sustain their frontline efforts.
“The funding will support innovative projects aligned with our strategic objectives, with a focus on driving meaningful change and delivering lasting impacts for those affected by abuse.”
A total fund of almost £250,000 is available under the scheme for the 2024/25 financial year, for individual grants of up to £40,000. The grants aim to bolster new initiatives that will help to address the unique challenges faced by victims and survivors. The scheme is also intended to strengthen partnerships, foster innovation, and ensure the continued delivery of vital services within our communities.
Member organisations that are represented on the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Expert Reference Group and / or that are represented on the five local Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnerships are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to secure funding for transformative projects. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by domestic and/or sexual abuse.
The guidance notes and application form is available at the publication section of this website.
Notes to editors:
1. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grants Scheme is a key initiative under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024-2031seven year strategy, which was launched by the Justice and Health Ministers on 25 September 2024.
2. The small grant scheme launched 27 November and the closing date for completed applications is noon on 9 Dec 2024.
3. Applications are invited from member organisations that are represented on the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Expert Reference Group and / or that are represented on five local Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnerships.
4. The aim of the scheme is to empower frontline organisations and sustain their essential work in addressing domestic and sexual abuse within our communities. Through this initiative, we aim to support projects that create meaningful change and deliver lasting impact for those affected by abuse, aligned with the strategic pillars set out in the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy which are:
- Pillar 1 Partnership - Driving change together through joint commitment, leadership and partnership working.
- Pillar 2 Prevention - Preventing domestic and/or sexual abuse from happening by challenging the attitudes and behaviours that foster it and intervening early where possible to prevent it.
- Pillar 3 Children & Young People - Preventing domestic and/or sexual abuse from happening and ensuring children and young people, who are victims, are seen and heard; and can access services and receive support, helping them to recover and taking account of their particular needs.
- Pillar 4 Support and Provision - Ensuring that all victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse can access tailored, responsive and specialised support and provision to recover and rebuild their lives
- Pillar 5 Justice - Ensuring justice responses are effective, supporting victims and holding individuals who are abusive to account, at the earliest opportunity.
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