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 , 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 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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 help@dsahelpline.org.
For more information visit Home - DSA Helpline
opens
in a new window / tab) 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 at Support services for victims |
nidirect window /
tab) 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.
