In Northern Ireland, we have seen progression over a number of years in terms of how society views domestic violence. Domestic violence is a serious crime which we know often goes unreported. We are, however, encouraged to see more and more women coming forward to report domestic violence and seek support. Our Conference “Changing the … Continue Reading →

“Women’s Aid commends Sir John Gillen and the review team for this thorough exploration of the criminal justice process in sexual violence cases and the culture in which it operates. We are extremely encouraged by many of the recommendations, and by the considered manner in which these recommendations have been made, with reference to rape … Continue Reading →

Stalking is extremely likely to occur within the context of domestic violence and by a former partner. This is the experience of many of the women we support. Stalking, underpinned by coercive and controlling behaviours, can often appear as routine and so-called ‘low -level’ acts, but carried out over time can deliberately instil anxiety, constant … Continue Reading →

Women’s Aid – The Lead Agency for Women and Children Affected by Domestic Violence Effective 6:00pm Sunday 31st March 2019, the 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline will no longer be managed by Women’s Aid Federation NI, however the vital work of Women’s Aid supporting women and children affected by domestic violence continues. The … Continue Reading →

We are delighted to announce our plans for our Conference on 25th January 2019 in Titanic, Belfast. In 2004, Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid hosted its first “Why Doesn’t She Just Leave?” conference, which highlighted the progress made in developing services and interagency strategies to address domestic violence in Northern Ireland over the previous decades. … Continue Reading →

“Universal Credit discriminates against single mothers as well as people living with trauma and mental health debilitations, according to one domestic abuse survivor.” Read More on page 13 in View Magazine’s “Stories from the Frontline” 

Domestic Violence can make Christmas a frightening and lonely time In the year ending March 2018, a total of 302 women and 205 children lived in our refuges.  A total of 1,376 women and 1,748 children were supported by our outreach services. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FORCED 57 women and 43 children to leave their homes to … Continue Reading →

Whether you enjoy keeping on top of it or you’re totally over it, for many of us, the World Cup is taking over our TV screens and our homes. As one of the greatest sporting spectacles on the globe, the World Cup can evoke a spectrum of emotions, passions, frustrations – the highs and the … Continue Reading →

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 →