Antrim and Ballyclare recognised as first Safe Towns in Northern Ireland
30 Nov 2011
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Ford praises Safe Towns initiative
Justice Minister David Ford has praised Antrim and Ballyclare on becoming Northern Ireland’s first ‘Safe Towns’.
Both towns attained ‘Safe Town’ certificates by demonstrating that they are proactive in supporting victims and challenging perpetrators of domestic violence.
At the launch of Onus ‘Zero Tolerance to Domestic Violence – Safe Town’ initiative in Ballymena today the Minister presented the Mayors of Antrim and Newtownabbey with their ‘Safe Town’ certificates.
David Ford said: “Domestic violence is a horrendous crime that has a devastating impact on victims and their families.
“The efforts of both Antrim and Ballyclare in securing Safe Towns status are to be applauded as it sends out a very clear signal that domestic violence will not be tolerated.”
David Ford said that since being elected Justice Minister he has introduced a number of initiatives to support victims of domestic violence.
He said: “I am committed to ensuring that Government delivers a joined up approach to better protect victims of domestic violence and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.”
Alderman Billy Webb Mayor of Newtownabbey receiving Safe Town Award for Ballyclare from Justice Minister David Ford.
Councillor Paul Micheal Mayor of Antrim receiving Safe Town Award from Justice Mininster David Ford.
(L-R) Rosemary Magill Onus board member and Area Manager of Women's Aid ABCLN, Alderman Billy Webb Mayor of Newtownabbey, Justice Mininster David Ford, Councillor Paul Michael Mayor of Antrim, Councillor Hubert Nicholl Mayor of Ballymena, Colette Stewart, Onus Business Manager.
Every minute in the UK, the Police receive a call from the public for assistance for domestic violence. This leads to police receiving an estimated 1,300 calls each day or over 570,000 each year. (Stanko, 2000).