Ten babies were born in Women’s Aid emergency accommodation in Northern Ireland over the past year, according to the charity.
The Women’s Aid Movement, which supports women, children, and young people affected by domestic abuse, published their annual statistics today for 2023/24, showing they assisted over 7,600 women living in the community here.
Their new statistics reveal that 527 women and 291 children stayed in the charity’s emergency accommodation last year, highlighting the scale of the problem for thousands of women who have experienced violence, often in their own homes.
These statistics mark the first day of the Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, exposing the reality faced by many women and girls in Northern Ireland.
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Demand for services saw 10,955 referrals, reflecting the increasing need for support for women and children across Northern Ireland.
CEO of Women’s Aid Federation NI, Sarah Mason, said the statistics are “sadly, not surprising,” adding that “funding to increase capacity to deliver services continues to be a major issue.”
“Sadly, these statistics are not surprising to us.
“Each year, Women’s Aid in Northern Ireland faces an ever-increasing demand for services as we work tirelessly to support women, children, and young people who have experienced abuse.
“Local services are working at full capacity to meet the needs of victims and survivors who need vital support.”
“Funding to increase capacity to deliver services continues to be a major issue that must be addressed if we truly want to effectively end violence against women in our society and create a community were women feel safe, and are safe, in their own homes.”
Women’s Aid works to challenge the attitudes, systems, and structures that enable domestic abuse. Their mission is to empower women, children, and young people, enabling them to live free from abuse through support and advocacy for change.
Ms Mason added: “The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
“The campaign was started by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. It is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
“Women’s Aid urges any women who feel unsafe to reach out for support. Women’s Aid groups exist in every part of Northern Ireland and are there to listen.
“If you are in danger, contact the PSNI immediately by dialing 999 immediately. You can also contact the Police on their non-emergency number by calling 101.”
Femicide is a growing crisis in Northern Ireland. Since 2017, 42 women and girls have died violently, and in all but one case, the killer or main suspect is male.
The latest recorded case of a woman being killed in Northern Ireland is the tragic death of 22-year-old Mary Ward. The young woman’s body was discovered on October 1, 2024, at her home on Melrose Street in Belfast. A man was arrested and charged with murder, and the case is still under investigation.
Mary Ward was the fourth woman to be killed in Northern Ireland within a six-week period.