Today, 25th November, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women across the world. Here in Northern Ireland, violence against women including domestic abuse and sexual violence remains a significant problem.
In 2014-15:
- 932 women and 689 children stayed in Women’s Aid refuges.
- 71 pregnant women stayed in our refuges.
- 439 women were unable to access a Women’s Aid refuge in their area because there were no spaces available.
- 3,567 women accessed our Floating Support outreach service.
- The PSNI responded to 28,287 domestic abuse incidents. This equates to one every 19 minutes of every day.
- There were 2,734 sexual offences recorded, including 737 offences of rape.
If you have been affected by domestic or sexual violence, or any form of violence against women, we are here to help. Call the 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 802 1414 for information, support and a listening ear. Our Helpline workers are experienced in supporting you to talk when you are ready, and can refer you to Women’s Aid refuge and support services. We also welcome calls from concerned family members, friends and colleagues.
You do not have to suffer in silence and you do not have to put up with abuse and violence, whether it is physical, psychological, sexual or financial.