Menu
07/02/2025
Civil Service Recognised for Efforts to End Domestic Abuse
Finance Minister John O'Dowd has pledged his support to the Onus Safe Place Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and encourage people to never commit, condone, or stay silent about it.
The Minister made the statement while attending a ceremony where the Civil Service was awarded the Onus Workplace Charter Platinum Award in recognition of its efforts to support staff experiencing or at risk of domestic or sexual abuse.
"Domestic and sexual abuse can happen to anyone and can have a devastating impact on individuals directly affected or those who witness it," said Minister O'Dowd. "It must not be tolerated. As a society, we must work together to take action to ensure those affected are supported and to prevent it from happening."
The Civil Service has implemented a range of measures to support staff, including a Domestic and Sexual Abuse Workplace Policy, training for Safe Place Advocates, and information sessions for staff and the public.
"The Onus Platinum Award reflects the work being done in the Civil Service here to support colleagues and those accessing public services who are affected by domestic abuse," Minister O'Dowd added.
Lindsay Harris, Interim CEO of Onus, commended the Civil Service for its commitment to supporting staff and raising awareness of domestic abuse. "We are delighted to be able to award the Civil Service, one of the biggest employers here, the Onus Workplace Charter Platinum Award in recognition of its work to recognise and provide support to those experiencing domestic or sexual abuse," said Ms. Harris.
The Minister made the statement while attending a ceremony where the Civil Service was awarded the Onus Workplace Charter Platinum Award in recognition of its efforts to support staff experiencing or at risk of domestic or sexual abuse.
"Domestic and sexual abuse can happen to anyone and can have a devastating impact on individuals directly affected or those who witness it," said Minister O'Dowd. "It must not be tolerated. As a society, we must work together to take action to ensure those affected are supported and to prevent it from happening."
"The Onus Platinum Award reflects the work being done in the Civil Service here to support colleagues and those accessing public services who are affected by domestic abuse," Minister O'Dowd added.
Lindsay Harris, Interim CEO of Onus, commended the Civil Service for its commitment to supporting staff and raising awareness of domestic abuse. "We are delighted to be able to award the Civil Service, one of the biggest employers here, the Onus Workplace Charter Platinum Award in recognition of its work to recognise and provide support to those experiencing domestic or sexual abuse," said Ms. Harris.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 March 2009
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
11 February 2009
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
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.
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.
20 December 2022
People Experiencing Domestic Abuse Urged To Seek Support
Following a meeting with Women's Aid, SDLP Representative for Cusher, Emmajayne McKernan has urged people to seek support this festive period if experiencing domestic abuse. Speaking after the meeting Emmajayne said: "Unfortunately domestic abuse continues to be a silent struggle in many homes across the island.
People Experiencing Domestic Abuse Urged To Seek Support
Following a meeting with Women's Aid, SDLP Representative for Cusher, Emmajayne McKernan has urged people to seek support this festive period if experiencing domestic abuse. Speaking after the meeting Emmajayne said: "Unfortunately domestic abuse continues to be a silent struggle in many homes across the island.
01 December 2022
Staff Experiencing Domestic Abuse Need More Support – Alliance
The Alliance Party has called on employers to review their policies and procedures to ensure those experiencing domestic abuse receive the right support. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marked the launch of the UNiTE campaign — 16 days of activism concluding on International Human Rights Day (10 December).
Staff Experiencing Domestic Abuse Need More Support – Alliance
The Alliance Party has called on employers to review their policies and procedures to ensure those experiencing domestic abuse receive the right support. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marked the launch of the UNiTE campaign — 16 days of activism concluding on International Human Rights Day (10 December).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
