Long and Nesbitt announce £259,000 funding boost for domestic and sexual abuse support services

A total of £259,091 has been awarded to ten community and voluntary sector projects that provide vital support for victims of domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland.

The funding, jointly provided by the Departments of Justice and Health under the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grant Scheme, will enable organisations to deliver trauma-informed counselling, crisis intervention, and specialist legal advice to victims and survivors.

Announcing the funding, Justice Minister Naomi Long said the supported projects represent a broad range of innovative approaches aimed at tackling abuse and helping people rebuild their lives.

“The impact of domestic and sexual abuse is devastating and all-encompassing; they can affect anyone at any time, regardless of age, sexual orientation or gender, and the organisations that have been successful in their bid for funding reflects that,”

said Mrs Long.

“They are also excellent examples of the innovative approaches being taken by the voluntary and community sector to help support people through what is often the most difficult period in their lives.

“From helping potential victims recognise unacceptable behaviour and encouraging them to seek help, to assisting survivors to navigate the justice system, I am confident they will reduce trauma and help service users on the road to recovery.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt welcomed the funding announcement, emphasising the importance of community-based support.

“I welcome the allocation of this funding to community and voluntary organisations which provide crucial support to those most affected by domestic and sexual abuse,” he said.

“The projects are strongly aligned with the objectives of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse (DSA) Strategy and have the potential to contribute meaningfully to the Strategy’s goals, with initiatives focused on prevention, early intervention and support for victims.”

The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Small Grant Scheme forms part of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024–2031, jointly led by both departments.

The programme is specifically designed to strengthen the capacity of voluntary and community sector organisations involved in tackling domestic and sexual abuse across Northern Ireland.

This latest round of funding brings the total investment from the Departments of Justice and Health to £568,718 since the scheme was launched.

The successful organisations include:

• Women’s Aid ABCLN

• Footprints Women’s Centre

• Nexus

• Victim Support NI

• The Cithrah Foundation

• Men’s Advisory Project

• Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland

• Hourglass

• Northern Ireland Survivor Council

Support is available through the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be contacted free of charge on 0808 802 1414.

Anyone in immediate danger should dial 999. If it is difficult to speak, callers can use the ‘silent solution’ by pressing 55 when prompted to alert police to an emergency.