County Derry community encouraged to attend 'Domestic Abuse Awareness Day'

People in County Derry are being encouraged to attend a 'Domestic Abuse Awareness Day' later this week.

Sinn Féin Councillor Fergal Leonard says that events such as the 'Domestic Abuse Awareness Day' being held in Strabane this Thursday (July 24) are key to highlighting, challenging and combating the scourge of violence against woman and girls.

Councillor Leonard, whose sister Concepta was murdered in a domestic violence incident in May 2017, said: “27 women have been murdered here since 2020 and that we have the worst femicide rates in Europe is clear evidence of how important we as a society need to tackle this scourge. One death or injury from domestic violence is one too many!

“This event, being held in the Ballycolman Community Centre from 10am on Thursday, provides an opportunity for anyone who is affected by domestic abuse, who knows someone else who is or who is seeking to better inform themselves on the issue to come along and access, information, advice, support and safety planning from service providers in a safe and welcoming place. Refreshments will also be available.

“This is an Executive funded initiative in partnership with local providers and is part of a wider pro-active strategy being rolled out to highlight, challenge and combat the culture of violence against women and girls. 

“This Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy has provided funding for Councils to get involved and to incorporate this at local levels. Derry City and Strabane District Council are committed to zero tolerance to violence against Women and Girls throughout the City and District. This includes providing funding for initiatives to all Local Growth Partnerships Development Groups in the Council area. The Derry/Strabane Police and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) likewise are committed to eliminating this scourge.

“Thursday’s Domestic Abuse Awareness Day builds further momentum in the campaign locally following the massively attended of the Walk to End Violence Against Women and Girls held in Strabane in May (Organised by the Local Growth Partnership) and will be further complimented by a bill board campaign now being rolled out right across the District highlighting the message 'End the  Violence Against Women and Girls'.

“Through actions and words, men and boys must play a key role in ending violence against women and girls and we need to create a society that no woman or girl feels that she needs to suffer in silence and that she has the necessary support to break free from abuse, stalking or coercive control.”