Safeguarding

Stalking Awareness Campaign

The international 16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign to raise awareness and encourage action to end violence against women and girls.

Running until 10 December, it’s a chance for communities everywhere to stand together and call for change.

As part of this, Newry Mourne and Down District Council in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is relaunching its Stalking Awareness Campaign. Stalking was officially recognised as a crime in Northern Ireland in 2022, carrying penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for perpetrators.

Research shows that almost one in four women (23%) in Northern Ireland have experienced stalking at some point in their lives, often alongside other abusive behaviours such as domestic violence.

The video below has been created sharing vital information on putting personal safety measures in place to protect yourself, how to report stalking and to signpost victims to organisations for help and support. 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell said, “I very much welcome the opportunity provided by the Stalking Awareness Campaign to raise awareness of this crime and call for change. As a Council we want to make sure victims of stalking, and all those experiencing domestic abuse, can easily access the help that is available to them.”

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray said, “Stalking is a serious crime that can have devastating impacts on victims. By raising awareness and signposting support, we want to ensure that no one feels alone and that help is always within reach."

If you feel that you - or someone you know – is a victim of stalking, help is available.

For more information and support see contact details below or call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 or the 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414

To report a concern or to speak to someone in confidence: 

Southern Health and Social Care Trust: 028 3756 7100 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) or Freephone from landlines only 0800 783 7745

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust: 0300 100 0300 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday)

Emergency Social Work Service (Regional): 028 9504 9999 (5pm-9am Monday to Friday, 24 hours Saturday/Sunday/Bank Holidays)

For further information please visit:

Domestic Abuse | Southern Health & Social Care Trust: https://setrust.hscni.net/service/south-eastern-domestic-violence-partnership/

24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414 (24 hours)

Women's Aid Armagh-Down Call 028 3025 0765

Or in an emergency dial 999

Safeguarding

For further information contact Gary Scott, Safeguarding Coordinator.
E: Gary.Scott@nmandd.org 
T: 07776 165 792

To view our Safeguarding leaflet click here. 

The NMDDC Safe Place Initiative

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is committed to the principle that Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence is unacceptable behaviour and everyone has the right to live free from fear and abuse.

The Council has been working in partnership with Onus NI on the introduction of the Safe Place Initiative across key Council facilities in the district. The Safe Place Initiative was launched by Onus NI in 2011 and since then over 1700 organisations have registered as a Safe Place. The premise behind the initiative is that it allows any business, organisation, church, school or community group to provide a ‘Safe Place’ where anyone affected by domestic abuse can confidentially access information on the range of support services available to them. 

Details of all fourteen Safe Place locations can be found below and all locations will display the Safe Place logo indicating that information on services for anyone affected by domestic violence and abuse is available at the specific site location.

The Safe Place locations across Newry, Mourne and Down District Council facilities are listed as follows:

1.       Down Leisure Centre, 114 Market Street, Downpatrick BT30 6LZ
2.       Kilkeel Leisure Centre Mourne Esplanade, Newry BT34 4DB
3.       Newcastle Centre Complex 10-14 Central Promenade, Newcastle BT33 0AA
4.       Newry Leisure Centre, 61 Patrick St, Newry BT35 8TR
5.       Bessbrook Community Centre, Mill Road, Newry BT35 7DS
6.       Cloughreagh Community Centre, Millvale Road, Newry BT35 7NH
7.       Newry Town Hall Bank Parade, Newry BT35 6HP
8.       Council Offices, O’Hagan House Monaghan Row, Newry BT35 8DJ
9.       Kilbroney Park, Shore Road, Rostrevor BT34 3AA
10.     Council Offices, Downshire Civic Centre, Ardglass Road, Downpatrick BT30 6GQ
11.     Greenbank Industrial Estate, Unit 19 Greenbank Industrial Estate Rampart Road, Newry BT34 2QU
12.     Crossmaglen Community Centre, Cardinal O'Fiaich Square, Newry BT35 9AA
13.     Warrenpoint Town Hall, Church Street, Warrenpoint BT34 3HN
14.     Ballynahinch Community Centre, 55 Windmill Street, Ballynahinch BT24 8HB