Write a commentNewry & Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Megan Fearon has urged victims of domestic abuse to report their abusers to the police or a support group.
The MLA made her call after PSNI figures showed there had been 27,000 domestic abuse incidents in the last year, with 706 of them taking place in the Newry & Mourne District, a rise of 38 in the District.
However the PSNI figures showed an overall decrease in the local E District of incidents, with 88 less cases being reported.
The MLA said "Campaigners representing victims and survivors of domestic abuse believe this figure greatly under-represents the total number of cases of domestic abuse, which occur every year. It has been said that the majority of cases of domestic abuse go unreported. The only way to end this disgraceful cycle of violence is to report the offenders. The silent victims of domestic abuse need to be aware that there are support services available to them and should feel no fear in speaking to someone."
Commenting on the role of Women’s Aid she said “Domestic and sexual violence are crimes that must be challenged and tackled by all in society. They have devastating long-term effects on victims, their families and are an abuse of their human rights. Women’s Aid have led the way for many years in supporting victims and survivors and in creating safer communities where people don't have to live in fear”
Womens Aid Newry, Mourne, South Down, South Armagh can be contacted at 028 3025 0765
Email: info@womensaidnewry.co.uk
Also National Helpline 0800 917 1414
