Minister applauds Women’s Aid ABCLN practitioners for earning highest domestic abuse qualification

Women’s Aid ABCLN Domestic Abuse Specialists have completed NOCN Qualification Level Three Certificate in Preventing & Tackling Domestic Abuse.

Justice Minister Naomi Long has congratulated frontline Domestic Abuse Specialists from Women’s Aid ABCLN who have successfully achieved the NOCN Level Three Certificate in Preventing and Tackling Domestic Abuse — the highest domestic abuse qualification available across the UK.

The official presentation took place at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, in a ceremony recognising the dedicated work of Women’s Aid ABCLN practitioners who provide critical support to women and children affected by domestic abuse across Antrim, Newtownabbey, and the Mid and East Antrim areas.

Women’s Aid ABCLN Chief Executive Gillian Creevey said:

“Our experienced practitioners are the first Women’s Aid cohort to complete the Level 3 Certificate in Northern Ireland recognising their extensive skills and expertise. This is the highest qualification across the whole of the UK – equivalent to Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) training, as recognised by the Home Office.”

The National Open College Network (NOCN) Level 3 Certificate is a UK-wide qualification developed in partnership with Women’s Aid in England and Scotland. It reflects evidence-based and trauma-informed practices essential for delivering high-quality support in challenging and often dangerous situations.

One module, designed specifically for the Northern Ireland context, focuses on recent legislative reforms passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly, enhancing the ability of practitioners to understand and apply legal remedies to support victims of domestic abuse effectively.

Speaking after the event, Justice Minister Naomi Long said:

“I welcome that funding from the Assets Recovering Scheme is supporting partnership working to create safer communities.

“This qualification is not just a certificate – it is a powerful toolkit for supporting and navigating victims to long-term recovery and independence.

“The additional knowledge and expertise these practitioners have gained will help support countless individuals and families affected by domestic abuse. Their role as educators will help break the cycles of domestic violence.”

Stark Statistics Highlight Urgency of Support Services

Newly released figures from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) show the continued prevalence of domestic abuse across the region. In the 12 months leading up to 31st March 2025, there were:

• 1,968 incidents recorded in Antrim and Newtownabbey

• 1,958 incidents recorded in Mid and East Antrim

“These stark figures tragically underscore the urgent need for our specialist services,” said Gillian Creevey.

“Last year alone our practitioners responded to 60,899 information and support calls and provided 2,812 individual support sessions for women.

“This accredited training is critical to ensure our expert team is equipped with the very latest knowledge and skills to deliver truly gold standard support to every woman and child experiencing domestic abuse who reaches out to us.”

Seeking Help

Women’s Aid ABCLN continues to offer a lifeline for those affected by domestic abuse. Individuals in need of support can:

• Call: 028 25 632136

• Email: support@womensaidabcln.org

• Visit: www.womens-aid.org.uk