If you have been abused

The 24-Hour Domestic Violence Helpline is a freephone number open to anyone affected by domestic violence.  Helpline staff will provide an empathetic response to all victims of domestic violence and abuse who call the helpline and can refer you to other agencies for specialist help (eg. refuge accommodation, legal help).

Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland (WAFNI) is a voluntary organisation that exists to challenge attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate domestic violence.  WAFNI seek through its work to promote healthy and non-abusive relationships.

WAFNI provides a focus for this work through lobbying, campaigning, publications, policy and partnership development and fundraising initiatives.  This is done in association with WAFNI membership which are 10 the local Women’s Aid groups who provide refuge, aftercare, outreach, training, support and advice for women and children who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence.

For further information on the services provided by WAFNI please call 90 249041 or visit the WAFNI website at www.niwaf.org .  

The Men’s Advisory Project (MAP) is a voluntary organization which can provide confidential counselling, information and referral services for men experiencing domestic abuse or the pressures of a breakdown in a relationship.  MAP can provide information about organizations that can help as well as providing the support of a counsellor.

MAP’s aims in this area of abusive relationships are to encourage and assist men to seek help, co-operate with other agencies, including women’s groups, and promote research in this particular concern.  

MAP can be contacted on 028 9024 1929 or visit the MAP website at www.mapni.co.uk .

The Rainbow Project aims to address the physical, mental and emotional health of gay and bisexual men in Northern Ireland.  The Rainbow Project provides a range of information and support services to gay and bisexual men, their families and friends, and professionals who also work with members of the LGBT community including information on coming out, being gay, dealing with and reporting homophobia and bi-phobia, and domestic violence in same-sex relationships.

The Rainbow Project can be contacted on 028 9031 9030 or visit the Rainbow Project website at www.rainbow-project.org.

Lesbian Line provides support, promotes equality and aims to improve the status and dignity of Lesbians & Bisexual Women.  Lesbian Line provides a confidential Helpline and Befriending service for Lesbians & Bisexual Women.  The organisation also works to raise awareness, influence policy and change legislation through lobbying, highlighting and addressing issues relevant to the Lesbian and Bisexual community.

The Lesbian Line can be contacted on 028 9023 8668 or visit the Lesbian Line website at www.lesbianlinebelfast.org.uk.

How can the criminal law help me?
A Police Domestic Violence Officer will investigate all serious offences of physical violence and can help you contact other organisations that can provide information and practical support.

If you are willing to give evidence, the prosecution will keep you informed of significant developments in the case, including when you may be required to attend court. Victim Support provides a witness service in all Crown Courts and in Belfast Magistrates’ Court. In certain circumstances application may be made to the court for special measures to make giving evidence less intimidating for you, for example letting you give evidence by live link or in private.

How can the civil law help me?
The Family Homes and Domestic Violence (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 allows you to apply to the court for protective civil orders. These are called non-molestation orders and occupation orders.

A non-molestation order prevents you from being molested by a partner or close family member.  An occupation order says who can live in the family home. When made alongside a non-molestation order, it offers added protection to victims of domestic violence.

For more information on how the law can help you, including how to get non-molestation and occupation orders, please download the leaflet “The Law can Help” (pdf 1.2mb).