Funding boost to help tackle domestic and sexual abuse
Date published:
The Departments of Justice and Health have awarded funding to 11 organisations to enable them to deliver programmes 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 which is jointly led by the Departments of Justice and Health.
The scheme has been designed to support work with victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse that is being delivered by community and voluntary organisations that are represented on the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Expert Reference Group and/or that are represented on the five Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnerships.
A total of £217,274 has been allocated to the organisations, which will begin to roll out projects in the coming weeks.
Announcing the list of successful applicants, Justice Minister, Naomi Long, said: “I am acutely aware that domestic and sexual abuse has a devastating, and oftentimes, lifelong impact on victims.
“By the time such a crime is committed and perpetrators enter the justice system, it is too late. Untold harm has already been caused; therefore, prevention is paramount.
“The projects that have been successful in securing a grant are examples of the innovative and invaluable approaches being taken by community and voluntary organisations in stopping domestic and sexual abuse from occurring in the first place.
“Through this initiative, we aim to support projects that create meaningful change and deliver lasting impact for those affected by abuse.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “We are committed to creating a society where domestic and sexual abuse are not tolerated, where all victims receive the support they need and where those responsible are held to account.
“Prevention and early intervention are critical elements of that work, to change the attitudes that can fuel, facilitate or simply tolerate the behaviours that can lead to abuse.
“I recognise the invaluable role that the community and voluntary sector plays in those efforts. I hope that this grant scheme will enable you, our partners, to continue your essential work and make a real, lasting difference.”
The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Small Grant Scheme aims 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 the community.
Notes to editors:
- The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grants Scheme is a key initiative under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024-2031 seven-year strategy, which was launched by the Justice and Health Ministers on 25 September 2024.
2. Member organisations 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 were eligible to apply for the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grants Scheme.
3. The following organisations have been awarded a Domestic and Sexual Abuse small grant:
Nexus NI
Relate NI
ABCLN Women’s Aid
Women’s Aid Federation NI
Foyle Women’s Aid
White Ribbon
NDA Women’s Aid
MAPNI
Women’s Centre Derry
NSPCC
Derry Well Women
4. Accessing support:
The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline can be contacted free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0808 802 1414 or Email . For more information visit DSA Helpline website
Contact details of other support services, including Carafriend, HERe NI, Men’s Advisory Project, NSPCC, Victim Support NI, Women’s Aid etc, can be found on the NIDirect website.
Anyone who feels in immediate danger should dial 999. If it is difficult to talk, use the ‘silent solution’ by pressing 55 when prompted (if phoning from a mobile phone). This allows police to know it is a genuine emergency.
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