This hard-hitting campaign is aimed at raising awareness that anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, background or religion, and over recent years has evolved to incorporate important information about new legislative changes in this area on: Coercive Control; Stalking; and near fatal strangulation.
These developments show the continued focus and drive to address domestic abuse in all its forms.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper BEM said “Domestic Abuse should not be accepted at any level. Anyone can fall victim to Domestic Abuse and as a society we need to join together to convey a clear message that there are no circumstances where this is acceptable. I would urge all victims to come forward and seek the help and support they need and deserve. Through this campaign we want to raise awareness and send a clear message, Domestic Abuse has no place in our society ‘It Is Never OK’.
Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Rosie Kinnear added “I welcome this campaign by the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, particularly in relation to the message that ANYONE can be a victim, male or female. I would urge all those affected by Domestic Abuse to come forward and make use of the support services that are available.”
Rhonda Lusty from Men’s Advisory Project NI (MAP NI) stated “Domestic abuse is the largest crime dealt with by the PSNI. One in six men will have faced domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime. Indeed 32% of domestic abuse crimes, known to the PSNI last year, happened to men. Men remain largely unacknowledged victims, their pain and experiences often going unseen.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and the PCSP takes domestic abuse seriously, for all victims. Their strong and dedicated messages of support to men who have faced or are enduring domestic abuse have been life changing.
Domestic abuse is never ok and there can be no excuse made for it. MAP NI are grateful for the impactful support and understanding provided by the PCSP.”
Women’s Aid ABCLN’s Communication and Engagement Manager, Arlene Creighton said “We welcome this campaign by Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP. One in four women will be affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime. PSNI respond to one incident of domestic abuse every 16 minutes. For every incident we know the impact on women and children can be devastating. Women’s Aid ABCLN provides confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women and children affected by domestic abuse across Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey. We believe that no-one should have to live in fear or threat from abuse.”
The Chairperson of Antrim and Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Councillor Matthew Brady added, “I am heartened by the partnership that I can see working in action through this awareness raising project. The dedication of the organisations who work in this challenging area on a daily basis, the value of their knowledge and resilience cannot be underestimated.
This, alongside the commitment of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey who have put the support of their offices behind this campaign for the fourth year running, is encouraging for all members of the PCSP who have repeatedly voiced their concerns about Domestic Abuse and shown their commitment to addressing it through this campaign and the annual funding for projects and initiatives to address this.”
If you would like more information or have been affected by this please visit www.womens-aid.org.uk/contact-us, www.mapni.co.uk or www.nexusni.org or alternatively call the free helpline T. 0808 802 1414.