‘Home Should Mean Safe’ – organisations unite for Domestic Abuse Awareness Week across Northern Ireland
Pictured are (L-R): Men’s Advisory Project Chief Executive Rhonda Lusty, the Housing Executive’s Steve Anderson, John McCandless, Dixie-Jo McNally, Elaine McMeekin, DCI Colin Neill from the PSNI and Karen Devlin from Women’s Aid NI.
Wednesday 14 October 2026
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is bringing together housing providers, police and specialist support organisations for a week of events aimed at tackling domestic abuse, highlighting its links to homelessness and helping victims access the support they need.
The second annual Domestic Abuse Awareness Week will run from Monday 19 to Friday 23 October 2026 under the theme ‘Home Should Mean Safe’, with a public candlelight vigil in Belfast among the key events.
Organised in partnership with Women’s Aid, the Men’s Advisory Project (MAP), the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the campaign will focus on raising awareness, challenging stigma and encouraging people experiencing abuse to seek help.
Housing and safety at the heart of campaign
The initiative forms part of the Housing Executive’s ongoing commitment to its Domestic Abuse Action Plan, launched in 2024, which aims to strengthen how the organisation responds to customers and communities affected by abuse.
Nicole Lappin, Chair of the Housing Executive Board, said:
“Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. Through the Housing Executive Domestic Abuse Action Plan, launched in 2024, work has been ongoing to strengthen our response and improve the support available to those affected.
“Following the success of our first Domestic Abuse Awareness Week last year, we are delighted to see the initiative grow in its second year with the continued support of our partner organisations.
“This week provides an important opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma and encourage open conversations about domestic abuse. Most importantly, we hope it will reassure anyone affected that support is available and that they do not have to face abuse alone.”
Events taking place across Northern Ireland
Three principal events have been announced as part of the awareness week:
• Monday 19 October, 5.30pm – Candlelight Vigil, Belfast City Hall Lawns.
• Tuesday 20 October – ‘Working Together to Keep Homes Safe’, a multi-agency roundtable discussion at Apex Housing Association, Derry/Londonderry.
• Friday 23 October – ‘Home Should Mean Safe: Embedding Change Across Housing’ conference, Danske Bank Building, Belfast.
A dedicated engagement event for young people has also been arranged in partnership with The Crisis Café in Newry and the Be The Change Project.
Housing Executive staff have supported the campaign through fundraising activities for MAP and a donation drive for Women’s Aid.
Elaine McMeekin, NIHE Domestic Abuse Lead, said:
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. Yet for many people experiencing domestic abuse, home can be a place of fear and uncertainty.
“Our public Candlelight Vigil at Belfast City Hall Lawns will provide an opportunity for communities to come together, show solidarity with those affected and send a clear message that domestic abuse has no place in our society.”
She thanked partner organisations, including Danske Bank, The Rural Network and Housing Rights, for supporting the programme.
Safe housing can be critical for survivors
Partner organisations have emphasised the importance of secure accommodation in helping people escape abuse and rebuild their lives.
Sonya McMullan, Regional Services Manager at Women’s Aid NI, said:
“For many women and children, domestic abuse can undermine their sense of safety, wellbeing and stability. Safe and secure housing is often a critical part of recovery and rebuilding lives.
“Through Domestic Abuse Awareness Week, we are reinforcing the message that abuse is never acceptable, that responsibility always lies with the perpetrator, and that by working together across sectors we can create safer communities and better outcomes for survivors.”
Clára Robinson, Policy & Research Manager at NIFHA, said housing providers have a vital role in ensuring that people experiencing abuse can access security, stability and appropriate support.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their home, and housing has a vital role to play in providing the security and stability that people need. We are proud to stand alongside our member housing associations, the NIHE and partners in supporting this important week and we remain committed to ensuring that people experiencing domestic abuse can access the support, advice, and safe housing that they need.”
Men facing abuse can encounter additional barriers
The Men’s Advisory Project has highlighted the particular challenges facing male victims, including difficulties recognising abuse, concerns about their children and fears of losing their homes.
Rhonda Lusty, Chief Executive of MAP, said:
“Home should mean safe. For many of the men we support, it has become a place of fear and isolation instead. Most have lived with abuse for years before asking for help. Many did not recognise what was happening as domestic abuse, or believed support was not meant for them.
“Housing is one of the biggest barriers to leaving. Walking away can mean losing not only a home, but stability, security and family connections. For fathers, concerns about their children and their security can make an already difficult decision feel almost impossible.”
She explained that the partnership enables Housing Executive staff to refer men disclosing abuse to MAP, while the charity helps victims access housing assessments and statutory support.
“For someone who feels trapped with nowhere safe to go, that link can be the difference between living in fear or getting support to live safely.
“We welcome the Housing Executive's commitment to recognising domestic abuse in all its forms, and to taking every victim seriously. No one should live in fear in their own home. No one should have to stay in an abusive situation because they have nowhere else to go.”
Police encourage victims to come forward
Detective Chief Inspector Stephanie Finlay said the PSNI remains committed to protecting victims, holding perpetrators accountable and working with partner organisations to improve access to specialist services.
“Domestic abuse is a life-changing crime that affects individuals, families and communities across Northern Ireland. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and we are committed to protecting victims, holding perpetrators to account and ensuring those affected receive the support they need.
“Working in partnership with organisations such as the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Women’s Aid and other support services is vital in helping us to identify abuse, improve access to support and better safeguard victims and their families.
“Domestic abuse can be complex and people may face significant barriers to seeking help. Through initiatives such as Domestic Abuse Awareness Week, we can raise awareness, challenge attitudes and encourage anyone experiencing abuse, or concerned about someone else, to come forward. We will listen, we will take concerns seriously and we will help.”
Where to find support
Anyone experiencing domestic or sexual abuse, or concerned about someone else, can contact Northern Ireland’s free, confidential 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414.
Further information about the Housing Executive’s Domestic Abuse Action Plan and available support services can be found at www.nihe.gov.uk/DomesticAbuseSupport.
With events bringing together frontline organisations, housing professionals and communities, the awareness week aims to reinforce a central message: nobody should have to remain in an abusive situation because they have nowhere safe to go.
