32,000 domestic abuse incidents recorded in NI in 12 months - actresses Bronagh Waugh and Bronagh Gallagher back new Women’s Aid campaign

Women’s Aid NI has launched ‘Unlock Your Lockdown’ to provide female victims of domestic abuse with reassurance that vital help and support is available to them.

The campaign, the first of its kind in over 20 years for the organisation, will shine a spotlight on the deteriorating situation in Northern Ireland, while also aiming to give victims the confidence to reach out by signposting them and their families to the support networks which are available across Women’s Aid NI services.

It comes as police figures, released today reveal that, in the 12 months from October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020, there were 32,015 domestic abuse incidents recorded by the PSNI, an increase of 128 on the previous year.

Domestic abuse incidents now account for 19.1% of all police recorded crime, up from 16.5% on the previous year.

The number of domestic abuse crimes rose to 18,885, an increase of 1,569 (9.1%) on the previous 12 months and the third highest 12-month period recorded since 2004/05.

The largest volume increase in domestic abuse crimes was seen in offences of harassment (including malicious communications) which increased by 1,270 (49.8%).

A sharp spike in domestic abuse incidents were reported to the police during the lockdown period.

The PSNI recorded higher levels of incidents during the height of lockdown with 291 more incidents in April and 258 more in May than in the same months in 2019. In April police were dealing with, on average, almost 10 additional domestic abuse incidents per day.

Northern Ireland is currently the only region in the UK without specific domestic abuse legislation. However, as the campaign launches Northern Ireland’s Domestic Abuse Bill is moving through the Assembly.

Women’s Aid NI CEO Sarah Mason said: “The Unlock Your Lockdown campaign will let victims of domestic abuse know that they are not alone, and that support is available to help them break away from the cycle of abuse they are enduring.

“We are fully aware that the lockdown period had a direct negative impact on many women and children who experience domestic violence and abuse.

“Throughout the lockdown period Women’s Aid NI continued to provide support to families in their refuges and extended outreach support via multi-communication formats.

“As lockdown restrictions change for society, our Unlock your Lockdown campaign will send a strong reminder that many victims remain in lockdown living in a cycle of domestic violence and abuse.

“The campaign will highlight the critical need for domestic abuse legislation in Northern Ireland. We welcome the Domestic Abuse and Family Proceedings Bill and Women’s Aid NI has played a key role in shaping this legislation for women and children affected by domestic violence.”

Leading Northern Ireland actresses Bronagh Waugh and Bronagh Gallagher will be supporting the campaign that includes radio, digital, pharmacy and adshel advertising across all parts of Northern Ireland. They have lent their voices to tell the story of those women who have been supported by Women’s Aid Northern Ireland to provide hope to those impacted by domestic abuse and violence.

Londonderry born Bronagh Gallagher commented: “I am privileged to be part of the Unlock your Lockdown campaign for Women’s Aid NI. The work they do is so incredibly important, and it is vital that we all support it, especially as we head into the festive period.

“I hope that in some way this campaign can reach those who need it most, wherever and whoever they are. I hope I can help encourage women and children experiencing abuse to take the first step in building a new life and a new normal.”