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.

Naomi Long and Mike Nesbitt met with staff who deliver the programme, which focuses on addressing the devastating impact of domestic abuse on women and children. Family Support Domestic Abuse Specialists work directly with mothers and children in their own homes and in refuge accommodation, offering intensive one-to-one support, practical assistance, and group work sessions.

The Family First service is one of 14 projects that received financial support through the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Small Grant scheme. Women’s Aid Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey (ABCLN) was awarded £25,595 for the initiative.

Justice Minister Naomi Long praised the dedication of those involved: "I would like to pay tribute to everyone involved in delivering this programme, which is clearly an important resource in helping us address the issues which arise out of domestic abuse. It encourages the children taking part to explore subjects such as what makes an unhealthy relationship and what is coercive control, and helps them develop safety and planning support networks. The Domestic Abuse Specialists also help the mums to be the best parent they can be, supporting families to recover from the impact of domestic abuse. The project restores hope and helps participants on their journey from victim to survivor. This ultimately benefits everyone in society as those taking part in the programme lead more productive and healthy lives." Health Minister Mike Nesbitt also expressed his appreciation: "I would like to express my appreciation to Women’s Aid ABCLN for the opportunity to hear about the crucial work they do. The cross departmental Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy (2024-2031), which was formally launched in September 2024, reflects our commitment to addressing and mitigating the impacts of domestic and sexual abuse across all communities. The work being done by the Family First programme plays a crucial role in delivering the objectives of the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy, in particular our pillar for Children and Young People. I would like to thank Women’s Aid ABCLN for their dedication and commitment to this."

During their visit, the Ministers toured the refuge and met with staff involved in the Family First project. The programme currently supports 36 mothers and their children through the work of three domestic abuse specialists, aiming to reduce risk within families. This intervention helps to keep children safely at home with their mothers and prevents them from being placed on the child protection register or entering care.

Gillian Creevy, CEO of Women’s Aid ABCLN, explained the origins of the project: "The Family First project was created in response to the unmet needs of women and children experiencing family breakdown as a result of domestic abuse. Our specialist knowledge allowed us to develop an intensive, individually-tailored support service which could be offered over an extensive period. Working in partnership with social work teams, our Domestic Abuse Specialists were able to demonstrate impressive outcomes, including the prevention, or removal, from the Child Protection Register of more than 300 children, allowing them to live in a secure and stable home with their mother."

The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy Small Grant Scheme is a new initiative under the overarching Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy, designed to provide financial support to community and voluntary organisations carrying out vital work with victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse.