Menu
24/10/2006
Domestic violence reports increase
Victims of domestic violence are more confident in coming forward to report crimes against them, Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson has said today.
One year on from the launch of the Government’s ‘Tackling Violence At Home’ strategy the Minister said that this has helped reinforce the fact that domestic violence is a crime and is not acceptable in any circumstances.
The Minister also paid tribute to those working with victims of domestic violence.
David Hanson said: “I am very encouraged by the excellent work that has taken place over the past year since the launch of the Government’s ‘Tackling Violence At Home’ strategy.
“The many initiatives undertaken over the past year, such as the further development of the 24 hour Domestic Violence Helpline, have brought the issue of domestic violence more into the open and have helped raise standards of service for victims. The number of callers to the helpline has increased by over 18 % since 2003/04. This has been a major improvement in service to victims of domestic violence. The clear message that domestic violence is a crime and is not acceptable in any circumstances is making an impact.”
Mr Hanson continued: “We cannot be complacent and more needs to be done but the fact that there has been an increase in the reporting of this type of crime in the last year sends a clear signal that victims of domestic violence are more confident in coming forward. We must build upon this work to encourage more and more victims to seek help. We also need to continue to improve protection and support services for victims and their children.
“The good progress to date has been achieved by all the agencies working together in partnership and we must continue this work if we are to make a real impact on this problem which affects people right across society.”
A 24-Hour Free-phone Domestic Violence Helpline is open to anyone affected by domestic violence - the number is 0800 917 1414.
(EF)
One year on from the launch of the Government’s ‘Tackling Violence At Home’ strategy the Minister said that this has helped reinforce the fact that domestic violence is a crime and is not acceptable in any circumstances.
The Minister also paid tribute to those working with victims of domestic violence.
David Hanson said: “I am very encouraged by the excellent work that has taken place over the past year since the launch of the Government’s ‘Tackling Violence At Home’ strategy.
“The many initiatives undertaken over the past year, such as the further development of the 24 hour Domestic Violence Helpline, have brought the issue of domestic violence more into the open and have helped raise standards of service for victims. The number of callers to the helpline has increased by over 18 % since 2003/04. This has been a major improvement in service to victims of domestic violence. The clear message that domestic violence is a crime and is not acceptable in any circumstances is making an impact.”
Mr Hanson continued: “We cannot be complacent and more needs to be done but the fact that there has been an increase in the reporting of this type of crime in the last year sends a clear signal that victims of domestic violence are more confident in coming forward. We must build upon this work to encourage more and more victims to seek help. We also need to continue to improve protection and support services for victims and their children.
“The good progress to date has been achieved by all the agencies working together in partnership and we must continue this work if we are to make a real impact on this problem which affects people right across society.”
A 24-Hour Free-phone Domestic Violence Helpline is open to anyone affected by domestic violence - the number is 0800 917 1414.
(EF)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2018
New Workplace Guidance On Sexual Violence Welcomed
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, has welcomed new Workplace Guidance published by the Department of Health and Department of Justice on how employers can increase awareness and respond more effectively to domestic and sexual violence and abuse.
New Workplace Guidance On Sexual Violence Welcomed
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, has welcomed new Workplace Guidance published by the Department of Health and Department of Justice on how employers can increase awareness and respond more effectively to domestic and sexual violence and abuse.
29 November 2005
Domestic violence helpline is saving lives – Hanson
Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson has highlighted the success of the 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline which is celebrating its tenth anniversary.
Domestic violence helpline is saving lives – Hanson
Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson has highlighted the success of the 24-hour Domestic Violence Helpline which is celebrating its tenth anniversary.
05 April 2005
New offence closes legal loophole - Spellar
A legal loophole has been closed that previously allowed those jointly accused of the murder of a child or vulnerable adult to escape justice by remaining silent or blaming each other, the Government has said. The new offence of familial homicide is one of the new provisions from the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.
New offence closes legal loophole - Spellar
A legal loophole has been closed that previously allowed those jointly accused of the murder of a child or vulnerable adult to escape justice by remaining silent or blaming each other, the Government has said. The new offence of familial homicide is one of the new provisions from the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.
24 March 2009
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
11 February 2009
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
