Northern Ireland Executive: Working together we can end domestic abuse - O’Dowd

Finance Minister John O'Dowd has pledged his support to the Onus Safe Place Campaign: never to commit, condone or stay silent about domestic violence or abuse.

The Minister was speaking as the Civil Service was awarded the Onus Workplace Charter Platinum Award in recognition of the work it is delivering to support the pledge.

Minister O'Dowd said: “Domestic and sexual abuse can happen to anyone and can have a devastating impact on individuals directly affected or those who witness it.  It must not be tolerated.  As a society we must work together to take action to ensure those affected are supported and to prevent it from happening. 

“In recognition of the importance of providing a safe, supportive workplace for colleagues experiencing or at risk of domestic or sexual abuse, the Civil Service has implemented a number of interventions including, a Domestic and Sexual Abuse Policy, trained Safe Place Advocates, delivered information sessions and communications signposting to sources of support.

“The Onus Platinum Award reflects the work being done in the Civil Service here to support colleagues and those accessing public services who are affected by domestic abuse.  Receiving this award during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week is a reminder that there is much more we still need to do to end domestic and sexual abuse.”

Lindsay Harris, Interim CEO Onus, added: “We are delighted to be able to award the Civil Service, one of the biggest employers here, the Onus Platinum Workplace Charter in recognition of its work to recognise and provide support to those experiencing domestic or sexual abuse. 

Over the past year, we have not only worked with the Civil Service to train Safe Place Advocates to support its staff through its Domestic and Sexual Abuse Workplace Policy, but with those civil servants in customer facing roles, to extend access to support across the community through our Safe Place Campaign. 

We know that anyone can experience either domestic or sexual abuse and we are committed to developing partnerships to support victims and survivors.”

Notes to editors

1. Pictured with Minister O'Dowd are (L) Lindsay Harris, Interim CEO Onus, and Jill Minne, Director of People and Organisational Development, the Department of Finance.
2. Onus is a social enterprise that works with organisations in the public and private sectors as well as churches, schools and communities to empower people to recognise and respond to anyone affected by abuse.
3. More information on ONUS can be found at Domestic violence and abuse training | ONUS Training

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 www.dsahelpline.org
• 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 https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/support-services-victims.
• 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. 

4. More information on Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Week can be found at #ITSNOTOK - SEXUAL ABUSE AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AWARENESS WEEK - Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week