03/06/2025
Greens Slam 'Unacceptable' Delay In Domestic Abuse Safe Leave
The Green Party NI has strongly condemned the ongoing delay in implementing the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) (Northern Ireland) Act, which was passed over three years ago.
Victims of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland are still awaiting their right to 10 days of paid leave, with Departmental officials now indicating that the necessary regulations won't be in place until at least late 2026.
Green Party Councillor for Holywood & Clandeboye, Lauren Kendall, voiced her frustration: "This delay is unacceptable. Safe Leave is already standard in countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. England and Wales are following suit and catching up. Why is Northern Ireland falling behind?"
Kendall emphasised the urgency of the situation, highlighting that "life saving actions need to be swift." She pointed out the contradiction between the government's pledge to end violence against women and girls and tackle domestic and sexual abuse, and the continued lack of vital support for victims.
"This is not good enough, this is a societal issue, a workplace issue, and it should be a priority for this Executive. We will not accept inaction, this must be in place now," Kendall asserted.
Last year alone, police recorded nearly 30,000 domestic abuse incidents in Northern Ireland. Councillor Kendall stressed that "victims can't afford to wait any longer for support and protection that is already legislated for. The Minister for the Economy must ensure that this is in place as a matter of urgency."
Victims of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland are still awaiting their right to 10 days of paid leave, with Departmental officials now indicating that the necessary regulations won't be in place until at least late 2026.
Green Party Councillor for Holywood & Clandeboye, Lauren Kendall, voiced her frustration: "This delay is unacceptable. Safe Leave is already standard in countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. England and Wales are following suit and catching up. Why is Northern Ireland falling behind?"
Kendall emphasised the urgency of the situation, highlighting that "life saving actions need to be swift." She pointed out the contradiction between the government's pledge to end violence against women and girls and tackle domestic and sexual abuse, and the continued lack of vital support for victims.
"This is not good enough, this is a societal issue, a workplace issue, and it should be a priority for this Executive. We will not accept inaction, this must be in place now," Kendall asserted.
Last year alone, police recorded nearly 30,000 domestic abuse incidents in Northern Ireland. Councillor Kendall stressed that "victims can't afford to wait any longer for support and protection that is already legislated for. The Minister for the Economy must ensure that this is in place as a matter of urgency."
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20 November 2025
Justice Minister Urges Men To Seek Domestic Abuse Help
Justice Minister Naomi Long has urged any man experiencing domestic abuse to come forward and seek help, backing a call from the PSNI. The Minister confirmed that the Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that all victims, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, or status, can access tailored support across Northern Ireland.
Justice Minister Urges Men To Seek Domestic Abuse Help
Justice Minister Naomi Long has urged any man experiencing domestic abuse to come forward and seek help, backing a call from the PSNI. The Minister confirmed that the Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that all victims, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age, or status, can access tailored support across Northern Ireland.
04 April 2025
Ministers Witness 'Transformative' Work Of Domestic Abuse Charity
The Ministers of Justice and Health have visited Women’s Aid in Ballymena to see firsthand the impact of their Family First programme, which provides early intervention support to those affected by domestic abuse.
Ministers Witness 'Transformative' Work Of Domestic Abuse Charity
The Ministers of Justice and Health have visited Women’s Aid in Ballymena to see firsthand the impact of their Family First programme, which provides early intervention support to those affected by domestic abuse.
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.
04 July 2018
Nearly 30,000 Domestic Motivated Incidents Took Place In 2017
Last year nearly 30,000 domestic motivated incidents took place in Northern Ireland, with around five people each year killed by a partner, ex-partner or close family member, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ). The figures were revealed by the department at the launch of a new consultation on Domestic Homicide Reviews.
Nearly 30,000 Domestic Motivated Incidents Took Place In 2017
Last year nearly 30,000 domestic motivated incidents took place in Northern Ireland, with around five people each year killed by a partner, ex-partner or close family member, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ). The figures were revealed by the department at the launch of a new consultation on Domestic Homicide Reviews.
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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.