Domestic Violence – It’s Everybody’s Business

To mark the 16 days of ‘Action Against Violence Against Women’ Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) together with South Eastern Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnership and County Down Rural Community Network hosted a conference “Domestic Violence – Its Everybody’s Business” in the Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle on Thursday 23 November 2017.

Delegates were informed about initiatives happening in Northern Ireland and elsewhere to support and protect individuals and families experiencing domestic and sexual violence as well as prevent it happening in the first place. These included inputs from the White Ribbon Campaign which encourages men to speak out about violence and Operation Encompass, which seeks to support and respond immediately to children who are living with domestic violence.

Newry, Mourne and Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership Chair, Councillor Harry Harvey said, “The conference was attended by over 180 delegates from various agencies throughout the district. The Speakers highlighted the key message that domestic violence is everybody’s business and that a ‘whole of society approach’ is required to stop domestic and sexual violence.

The PCSP is delighted to support this excellent conference tackling these issues that are rarely talked about in society. Domestic Violence really is everybody’s business. The PSNI responds to 1 call every 18 minutes, that’s not just the immediate impact on that one woman and treating her injuries and getting her to safety; but the wider impact on everyone in her life who’s is affected; her children, her wider family her friends, her employer.”

Chair of The South Eastern Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnership, Sheila Simons,  said, ‘“Domestic and Sexual violence and abuse has a devastating impact on the lives of individuals, their children and society at large. Women’s Aid, PSNI, Social Services and other statutory, voluntary and community services have made steady progress to further the interests of victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, however, unfortunately, it is still under reported and many people may be unaware that there is support available to help them leave an abusive relationship”.

The aim of the conference is not only to highlight some of the work being undertaken to support and protect those individuals and families experiencing domestic and sexual violence as well as prevent it happening in the first place but also to send out the message that each member of our community has a part to play in achieving this.”

If you would like any further information on domestic or sexual abuse, or any other community safety issue, please contact the PCSP Department on 03000132233 or www.pcsp@nmandd.org