Published date:
The 16 Days of Action for No Violence against Women and Girls Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day against Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Probation has highlighted over the past 16 Days the work it does to tackle domestic violence and today Probation and Women’s Aid Federation NI staff came together to discuss their shared aims to reduce the number of victims of domestic violence in Northern Ireland and provide support to those affected, who are mostly women and children.
Amanda Stewart, Probation’s Chief Executive, said:
Our work involves challenging the behaviour of perpetrators of domestic violence. We also provide support to victims of this crime through the process. Our aim is to reduce the number of victims in our society and make Northern Ireland a safe place to live.
Women’s Aid Federation NI this week launched its most powerful and hard-hitting campaign during 16 Days, calling on the government to ‘Unlock the Funding’ as shocking new statistics reveal the PSNI receives a call relating to a domestic abuse every 16 minutes.
Women’s Aid Federation NI Chief Executive, Sarah Mason said Northern Ireland was already significantly behind England and Wales when it came to funding, but the cost of living crisis is making this disparity even more stark.
Sarah said:
Our campaign uses incredibly emotive language and lays bare the shocking facts regarding a lack of funding for vital services. But the reality is that women are being murdered in Northern Ireland as we wait for the government to provide the necessary level of funding to tackle this epidemic affecting our society. Women’s Aid does not apologise for being a strong voice for women and we will continue to fight for the necessary resources.