Council says Stormont programme is primarily resourced to support prevention activity, rather than provision of services for women
A Northern Ireland council is making a call for a large emergency fund for Women’s Aid services, and has criticised Stormont focus on preventative action at the expense of refuge for victims.
Elected representatives at an Ards and North Down Borough Council committee meeting unanimously agreed a motion this week highlighting increased disclosures and referrals, particularly to Women’s Aid services, as a result of a lack of funding for provision.
The council is asking for a new dedicated emergency fund. The motion will go to the full meeting of the council later this month, where it is expected to pass.
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In Ards and North Down, over the last three years referrals for floating support have increased by over 33 percent and referrals for refuge have increased by over 186 percent.
At a meeting in Newtownards of the council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee on Monday (June 16), councillors agreed to the motion, forwarded by UUP Councillors Peter Wray and Katherine Newman, which acknowledges increased demand for service experienced by North Down and Ards Women’s Aid.
The motion firstly commits to write to the Minister for Communities requesting a review into the funding provided to Women’s Aid through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Supporting People Grant.
It secondly commits to write to the Northern Ireland Executive welcoming the funding provided so far, but expressing concerns that the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme is primarily resourced to support prevention activity, rather than provision of services.
The motion states: “While investment in prevention is essential, it is already resulting in increased disclosures and referrals, particularly to Women’s Aid services. The letter should also highlight the need for multiyear funding, and increased funding allocation for the Tier 3 EVAWG programme, which currently doesn’t cover the cost of one additional member of staff.”
The letter will also propose the establishment of a dedicated emergency fund in Northern Ireland to support women who are fleeing domestic abuse but face immediate financial barriers to accessing safety.
The motion states: “Many women, particularly those who are working or have limited access to benefits, are unable to afford refuge accommodation costs or secure private rental housing due to high upfront expenses such as deposits and rent in advance. As a result, they are often forced to remain in unsafe environments or face homelessness.
“This fund would provide flexible, rapid financial assistance to cover emergency costs, refuge stays, and access to long -term housing, ensuring that no woman is prevented from leaving an abusive situation due to a lack of financial resources.”
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