Today, as the World Cup kicks off in Brazil, the media is awash with questions over the connection between sporting events and domestic violence and abuse. In Northern Ireland, Women's Aid frequently sees a spike in the reporting of domestic violence during major sporting events like the World Cup, but this doesn't mean that football causes domestic violence.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) conducted a survey in 2014 about violence experienced by women in 28 countries in the EU, check out the results for the UK.

This week is Africa Week in Northern Ireland, and the programme includes events focusing on domestic violence.

This week is anti-homophobia and transphobia week in Northern Ireland, and Women's Aid staff have been joining a host of organisations and individuals to stand up and speak out against homophobia and transphobia.

Justice Minister David Ford has published a progress report against the first annual human trafficking action plan for Northern Ireland.

Our sisters at the charity Equality Now have outlined three steps that everyone can take today in the campaign to #BringBackOurGirls. Join us in keeping the pressure on so that the girls can be recovered safe and well.

In 1973, Jenny Smith became one of the first abused women to find sanctuary at a refuge. Forty-one years later, she says women are suffering more than ever.

The Rowan is a specialist regional centre which provides a range of support and services for victims of sexual violence, including rape and sexual abuse in Northern Ireland.

Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid is delighted to reveal its new revamped and redesigned website!

We are delighted to announce the opening of a new outreach base in Dungannon town. to support women, children and young people who have or are experiencing domestic or sexual violence.

Our new Helpline information leaflets for all women and men affected by domestic & sexual violence are now available on our website

Omagh Women's Aid attended an event aimed at senior citizens organised by Omagh PCSP in partnership with the South West Age Partnership. The event focused on Crime Prevention Awareness and was held in Strathroy Community Centre on Wednesday 19 March 2014.

The launch of the new expanded 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline at Stormont Hotel yesterday sends a clear signal from government that victims’ needs and support are at the heart of the government’s strategy to tackle domestic and sexual violence.

EU countries should reduce the demand for prostitution by punishing the clients, not the prostitutes, says Parliament in a non-binding resolution passed on Wednesday.

The Department of Justice and Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety have jointly launched a consultation on the draft strategy, Stopping Domestic & Sexual Violence and Abuse in Northern Ireland.

The Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland annual report for 2012 - 13 is now online.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is conducting a survey to find out more about how domestic violence affects working life. Domestic violence may happen behind closed doors but it has far reaching consequences and is known to have an impact on the working lives of those living with an abusive partner.

Following a successful AGM in December, we were delighted to launch our Annual Report for 2012 - 13. The report outlines our work over the year from our local groups across Northern Ireland and from the 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline. Here are some of our headline figures.

If you are experiencing, or have ever experienced domestic or sexual violence, help is at hand. Get help by calling the 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline.

The 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including over the Christmas period to offer you support, advice, or just a listening ear. Get help by calling, emailing or texting the Helpline, day or night.

It’s Christmas and we are again asking you to help the women and children whose lives are devastated by domestic & sexual violence in Northern Ireland.

As part of the 16 days of Action, some of the women in refuge wrote about their experiences. This is one of their poems.

The following is a breakdown of statistics collected by the PSNI relating to domestic violence and crime in general across Northern Ireland. Statistics can be valuable in providing a snapshot in time and a useful tool in helping us to bring violence against women to an end, but they do not always provide the full story by themselves.

Join us in asking the government to ratify the Istanbul Convention, to strengthen the protection of women escaping domestic violence and send a clear signal that the UK will not tolerate violence against women.

Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, 25th November 2013, Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland invites you to join us and take action on violence against women and girls.

Party conference season kicked off for another year with the Ulster Unionist Party conference on 19th October 2013 in the Ramada Plaza Belfast.

Women’s Aid welcomes the Trafficking and Exploitation Bill, which is being debated in the Assembly on 23 September 2013. This legislation is a resolute step forward in tackling the abuse of women and girls who are forced into sexual slavery in Northern Ireland.

The Health Minister, Justice Minister and Chief Constable have officially launched the Rowan – Northern Ireland’s only regional Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). The Rowan is a regional facility that offers a range of services and support to anyone who has been sexually abused, assaulted or raped, whether this happened recently or in the past. The service is now open to those who wish to self-refer directly by calling 0800 389 4424.

3rd September 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights coming into force.

It is with great pleasure that we announce the expansion of our Helpline to include support for victims of sexual violence.