Domestic and Sexual Violence

The PCSP supports activities in relation to the reduction of and reporting of domestic abuse and sexual crimes. This saw the support of a number of programmes working with the South Eastern Sexual and Domestic Violence Partnership a programme SEDSVP supported by the South Eastern Health Trust and PHA to coordinate groups working with victims of domestic violence.

Latest News: 20 January 2020

Council Campaign Tackles Rising Domestic Abuse Figures

Ards and North Down Borough Council is supporting the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in tackling domestic abuse through a new publicity campaign.

Latest statistics show there were almost 32,000 domestic abuse incidents and more than 16,000 domestic abuse crimes across Northern Ireland in 2018/19 – the highest 12-month period ever recorded.

With an average of 17 incidents and nine crimes per 1,000 of the population, many of those incidents occur in the borough on a daily basis. Ards and North Down’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is raising awareness and encouraging victims to seek help. 

Chair of the PCSP, Councillor Nigel Edmund, said:

“People who are being abused feel isolated and often don’t know where to turn so we want to get the message to victims of domestic abuse that there’s help and support out there. Through the campaign, we are encouraging all victims to come forward and report the matter to the police.”

If a person's behaviour at home makes you or members of your family feel afraid, that is domestic abuse. If you have any concerns, contact the 24 hour confidential Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414, by email help@dsahelpline.org or by webchat at https://dsahelpline.org. If you are in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.

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