Over 2,000 domestic abuse victims sought court orders
Figures show problem is increasing as 600 of them made homeless this year
MORE than 2,000 victims of domestic violence in Northern Ireland sought court orders to protect themselves from their abusers this year, while 600 were made homeless, new figures show.
Non-molestation orders are a special kind of injunction that can be obtained by victims of domestic abuse to prevent any violence or harassment against them or their children.
A Freedom of Information request by the Belfast Telegraph showed that between April to September this year, 2,152 applications were made.
This represents an 8% increase from the same period last year when 1,998 applications were made.
Figures for applications over the last decade were also revealed in a written question by Green Party MLA Rachel Woods to Justice Minister Naomi Long.
From 2010 to 2019, a total of 52,681 applications for non-molestation and occupation orders (which set out who has a right to live in the family home) were made, of which 45,090 were granted.
The numbers of applications for both orders during this period has steadily decreased, with 4,876 applications granted out of 6,069 in 2010, to 3,527 out of 3,959 granted in 2019.
Ms Woods said it was an encouraging sign that more people were seeking help via non-molestation orders this year, but the true picture was likely to be far worse.
“We know that there are many people out there who suffer, including from domestic abuse, and are not in a place where they take help and support on board,” she said.
“The data we have doesn’t even scratch the surface of the reality that many are facing.
“There has been a surge of domestic abuse incidents during 2020 and we know that lockdown means increased risk for victims of domestic abuse.”
She added: “Non-molestation orders can be useful for people affected by domestic abuse, so I would hope that the rise in orders continues as more people help seek help.
“More generally, we need to do everything possible to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and any type of harassment. If you are at risk of abuse or are a victim of domestic abuse, please reach out. Please make a call or contact someone.
“Contact the amazing support organisations that are there, be it the police, a health professional or your GP, or somebody whom you trust. If it is an emergency, please call 999. Please do not continue to suffer in silence.”
In another written question to the Communities Minister from SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly, it also emerged that around 600 people were left homeless due to domestic violence during a six month period this year.
Between April 1 to September 30, there was an increase in those presenting as homeless because of domestic violence — up from 620 to 668 during the same period in 2019.
Of these, there were 594 acceptances, increasing from 589 the previous year.
In terms of resources, the Housing Executive funds 134 units in 13 Women’s Aid Refuges at a cost of just under £2.6m a year. Further resources of an additional 1,173 units of floating support are also provided at a cost of just over £1.8m. Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid (BLWA) at Ulsterville Avenue operates as an ‘ emergency crash pad’ which can be used for 24 hours before women and their families are moved on to more suitable accommodation.
During the Covid-19 lockdown period, this facility remained opened for referrals and the length of stay was doubled to 48 hours.
‘Crash pads’ are now operating in Belfast, Ballymena and Foyle with each supported by each corresponding Women’s Aid organisation.
In response to Covid-19 cost pressures faced by Supporting People service providers, an extra £10m in funding was secured from the Executive.
In addition, £400,000 has been allocated to Foyle Women’s Aid as a contribution to the development of the Family Justice Centre.
The Department of Health provided Women’s Aid with an extra £60,000 for an initial care package for families experiencing domestic abuse.
‘We need to do everything possible to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse’