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, 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: Domestic and Sexual Abuse
Strategy Small Grant Scheme | Department of Justice
Notes for editors:
- The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grants Scheme is a key
initiative under the seven year Domestic and Sexual Abuse
Strategy 2024–2031 (justice-ni.gov.uk), which was launched
by the Justice and Health Ministers on 25 September 2024.
- The small grant scheme launched on 27 November and the
closing date for completed application is noon on 9 Dec 2024.
- 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.
- 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.
