At Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid, our staff have extensive experience working to support women and children affected by domestic violence over the past 40+ years. We started our blog a number of months ago as platform to communicate that knowledge while hopefully educating others interested in issues relating to domestic violence. Through the power … Continue Reading →

Thanks to your generosity again this year, no woman or child involved with our service spent Christmas 2017 without food, heating, toys and gifts. A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO ALL THE WONDERFUL INDIVIDUALS, COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS WHO MADE CHRISTMAS AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN OUR REFUGES AND IN … Continue Reading →

Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid provides confidential support, information and emergency accommodation for women and children affected by domestic violence. Our Annual Conference will be a celebration of the organisation’s work over the past year and outline how we will move forward as the lead voluntary organisation in the delivery of our specialist support services … Continue Reading →

The 16 Days of Activism runs annually from 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls) to 10th December (Human Rights Day) As part of the campaign, we called on men to “Stand Up and Speak Out” on violence against women and girls. Thank you to all the men who showed their support and helped raise awareness that domestic … Continue Reading →

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence runs from 25th November-10th December. For each of the 16 days, we invite you to follow us as we address the most frequently asked question about domestic violence, “Why doesn’t she just leave?” Together, we can challenge the common attitudes and misconceptions around domestic violence. Please … Continue Reading →

This joint working protocol has been developed by Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (Homelessness Policy Department). Both parties recognise, in order to ensure that effective, quality services are available for those experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence and abuse in our society, a commitment to a shared process across all … Continue Reading →

A lot of people think domestic violence is about younger women or women with children. Our recent project with older women highlights that just as many older women are affected and have suffered long term abuse in the home and often face more barriers in their help seeking process. Many older women think they are too … Continue Reading →

Voluntary work is a fundamental part of the organisation’s practice. From voluntary committees to practical help with the establishment of services, the range of voluntary worker involvement has been extensive since the inception of Women’s Aid.   BLWA volunteers work alongside paid staff, their contribution adds value to and enhances our existing services. Each year … Continue Reading →

Yesterday, 25th November, Monica McWilliams visited Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid to lead a staff discussion session on gender violence. The academic and former Human Rights Commissioner highlighted instances of violence and discrimination against women in conflicts around the world, including Northern Ireland. Speaking about the event, Monica reported: “Women’s Aid are so close to … Continue Reading →

In 2015, Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid celebrated 40 years of supporting women and children affected by domestic violence. Please see below timeline showing the progress made by Women’s Aid throughout Northern Ireland over the years.             womens-aid-timeline-banner

This DVD was developed by Belfast Domestic Violence Partnership to support victims of domestic violence through the justice system and has been uploaded to YouTube for easy access.   Part 1 Part 2

Members of the Belfast Area Domestic Violence Partnership Protection and Justice Working Group developed Legal Remedies Guidance to assist individuals experiencing DOMESTIC VIOLENCE to understand the law and the available protection options. Please download below: Domestic Violence and Abuse Legal Remedies Feb-15 LEGAL REMEDIES AT A GLANCE – INFOGRAPHIC For more information please go to … Continue Reading →

It has recently been reported to us that a caller claiming to be from Women’s Aid is asking for donations. Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid will never contact anyone directly by phone (or email) asking them to donate money. If you receive an unsolicited call asking you to donate to us or any charitable cause, … Continue Reading →

The University of Huddersfield have created and are continuing to develop a web-based register of UK child protection research. Their aim is to produce a definitive record of all completed and ongoing child protection research in the UK. Moreover, they are going to be very proactive in enabling and encouraging all relevant stakeholders to use the … Continue Reading →

For women and children experiencing DOMESTIC VIOLENCE the Supporting People programme quite simply SAVES LIVES. It also enables the women and children we work with to rebuild their lives in safety. Join us and the coalition of charities/voluntary organisations calling on the Northern Ireland Executive to strengthen the Supporting People (SP) programme. Supporting People provides vital support to … Continue Reading →