21/01/2025

New Funding Awarded To Combat Domestic And Sexual Abuse

The Departments of Justice and Health have awarded funding to 11 organisations to enable them to deliver programmes aimed at reducing domestic and sexual abuse.

The funding is part of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Small Grant Scheme, a new initiative under the joint Departments of Justice and Health Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy.

The scheme is designed to support work with victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse that is being delivered by community and voluntary organisations represented on the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Expert Reference Group and/or the five Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnerships.

A total of £217,274 has been allocated to the organisations, who will begin to roll out their projects in the coming weeks.

Announcing the list of successful applicants, Justice Minister, Naomi Long, said: "I am acutely aware that domestic and sexual abuse has a devastating, and oftentimes, lifelong impact on victims.

"By the time such a crime is committed and perpetrators enter the justice system, it is too late. Untold harm has already been caused; therefore, prevention is paramount.
News Image
"The projects that have been successful in securing a grant are examples of the innovative and invaluable approaches being taken by community and voluntary organisations in stopping domestic and sexual abuse from occurring in the first place.

"Through this initiative, we aim to support projects that create meaningful change and deliver lasting impact for those affected by abuse."

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: "We are committed to creating a society where domestic and sexual abuse are not tolerated, where all victims receive the support they need and where those responsible are held to account.

"Prevention and early intervention are critical elements of that work, to change the attitudes that can fuel, facilitate or simply tolerate the behaviours that can lead to abuse.

"I recognise the invaluable role that the community and voluntary sector plays in those efforts. I hope that this grant scheme will enable you, our partners, to continue your essential work and make a real, lasting difference."

The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Small Grant Scheme aims to bolster new initiatives that will help to address the unique challenges faced by victims and survivors.

The scheme is also intended to strengthen partnerships, foster innovation, and ensure the continued delivery of vital services within the community.

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

12 September 2024
PSNI Welcomes Sentencing Of Man For 'Harrowing' Domestic Assault
The PSNI has welcomed the sentencing of a man at Laganside Crown Court in connection with a domestic assault in North Belfast last year. 32-year-old Jordan Spence was sentenced to 40 months for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, 12 months for false imprisonment, 12 months for criminal damage and 12 months for threats to kill.
07 July 2022
Ministers Publish New Domestic And Sexual Abuse Strategy Report
Health Minister Robin Swann and Justice Minister Naomi Long have launched a report on the outcome of a Call for Views launched earlier this year to inform the development of a new Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy. Welcoming the new report, Minister Swann said: "We received 91 written submissions and 661 online surveys were completed.
28 November 2024
New Grants Scheme To Tackle Domestic And Sexual Abuse
The Justice and Health Ministers have launched a new small grants scheme aimed at reducing domestic and sexual abuse. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Small Grant Scheme will support community and voluntary organisations working with victims of abuse.
10 December 2024
Justice Minister Supports PSNI's Festive Policing Priorities
Justice Minister Naomi Long has visited Omagh PSNI station, where she expressed her support for officers working to keep people safe over the festive season.
20 July 2022
New Domestic And Sexual Abuse Strategy Published
A new cross-departmental strategy to stop domestic and sexual violence and abuse in Northern Ireland has been published.