Policy and lobbying is an essential part of our work. We work in consultation with local Women’s Aid groups to develop our policy positions. We believe a clear strategic focus in this area is vital to:

• challenge attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate domestic violence
• influence policy makers
• contribute to effective partnership working, and
• create real social change.

Our policy and lobbying work involves identifying priorities, based on our wealth of experience and what we hear from women and children we work with. We use this vital information to lobby for and create positive social change by influencing government, participating in research and working in partnership.

Influencing government

We continue to seize all opportunities for influencing government and creating real social change for families who experience domestic violence. We do this in many ways including:

• responding to government consultations
• giving evidence to government assemblies, and
• lobbying directly for change

In consultation with our local Women’s Aid groups, we continue to implement a regional public affairs strategy. This identifies key public policy issues facing our organisation and that impact directly on women and children who use our services.

Our current policy priorities are:

• Access to justice
• Children and young people
• Women with no recourse to public funds
• Welfare reform