Domestic violence in Northern Ireland is at it's highest level since records began in 2004

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There is a way out of abusive relationships said the Interim Chief Executive of Nexus NI who is encouraging people who may be experiencing domestic or sexual abuse to take the next step and get help by calling the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline.

Nexus NI Interim CEO, Karen Gallagher said for many victims of domestic and sexual abuse, often the first step is to lift the phone to call a helpline to get support. A new three year contract has been awarded to Nexus NI to provide and manage a 24 hour helpline service from next week. 

The service will be operational from 1 April 2019 and will be known as the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline. The contract was awarded by the Department for Communities, the Department of Health and the Department of Justice. 

Ms Gallagher said: "Domestic and sexual abuse knows no boundaries. No gender, age-group, no sexual orientation, no class or creed is immune from attacks and abuse. For any man or woman, young or old, the fully trained staff at the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline are there to listen and offer support and advice 24 hours a day, every day. 

During 2018, there were over 31,000 domestic violence and abuse incidents reported to police, with almost 16,000 crimes committed.  Further, there are, on average, around six murders a year committed with a domestic abuse motivation. Approximately 70% of all victims of domestic abuse are female, with around 30% male.

"Victims of domestic and sexual abuse can often feel isolated, with no one to turn to, so we are pleased that this helpline can continue to give them the support that they need.  We want people to know they are not alone and help is a phone call away.  It is essential that as many people as possible have access to support to ensure the right measures are being taken to keep them and their families safe."

Meanwhile,

Over 326 applications have been made to the Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme (DVADS) in Northern Ireland, since its introduction one year ago. To date, 40 people, identified as being at risk, have been advised about their partner’s abusive past.

The scheme, operated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland, in conjunction with statutory and voluntary partners, allows a potential victim to receive information on their partner’s history of abusive behaviour in terms of the risk they pose, enabling them to make an informed choice about their relationship.

Anthony Harbinson, Director of the Department of Justice’s Safer Communities Directorate, said: “I welcome the take up of the disclosure scheme and the courage of those coming forward to make an enquiry. Domesticviolence and abuse is a serious problem within Northern Ireland’s society and we remain committed to tackling it through implementation of the joint Department of Justice and Department of Health seven year strategy.

"I am also encouraged by the proactive steps being taken by police and partner organisations in making their own enquiries through the scheme.

“We will continue to work in partnership with PSNI and our statutory and voluntary sector colleagues to help create a safe community where we respect the law and each other.” 

Discussing the first anniversary of the Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure Scheme, Detective Superintendent Ryan Henderson from Police Service Public Protection Branch said: “I am extremely proud that we now have this Scheme in place across Northern Ireland.  This Scheme shows that, as a society, we say there is no place for domestic abuse or no hiding place for domestic abusers.

“The Scheme is different because it focuses on preventing people from becoming victims. Abusers can often move from relationship to relationship leaving a trail of abuse which the Scheme stops from remaining hidden.

“One year on from the launch, I am pleased to see the uptake in the number of people who have come forward to apply. This has surpassed our expectations and shows the Scheme has a vital part to play in tackling domesticabuse.

“My message one year on is that the Scheme works and I would encourage anyone who feels that it is right for them to use it. “