Antrim and Newtownabbey
ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS
OBA Report Card
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence: Baseline Data
and Key
Challenges
The following baseline data* highlights the scale and severity of domestic abuse and related crimes within our communities. These figures underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and collaborative efforts to address these challenges:
PSNI officers attend one domestic abuse incident on average every 16 minutes.
Sexual offences up 10% on previous year.
1,077 violence against the person crimes with a domestic abuse motivation in Antrim and Newtownabbey.
30,509 domestic abuse incidents recorded.
2,151 in Antrim and Newtownabbey police district.
The Chief Constable’s Accountability Report, February 2025
Across the similar period of December 2018 and November 2024, 92 attempted murder offences were also recorded where the victim was female.
Of all domestic abuse crime victims, 68% were women and 32% were men.
747 controlling or coercive behaviour offences.
Seven women killed.
Between January 2019 and December 2024, 32 women and girls across Northern Ireland were tragically killed by men.
* 2024 data provided by Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI)
Driving Change:
Performance Data and Outcomes
Following the identification of key challenges through baseline data, a comprehensive programme of initiatives was implemented to address domestic abuse, coercive control, and violence against women and girls. These actions have focused on prevention, education, and support, delivered through strategic partnerships and community engagement.
The following section presents performance data and outcomes from these initiatives, demonstrating the impact achieved and the progress made towards reducing harm and fostering safer communities.
Coercive Control & Homicide Timeline
– A Training Conference with Professor Jane Monckton Smith
100 + delegates attended the training from statutory partners and key organisations.
97% of delegates rated the conference as Excellent.
A changed society where women and girls are free from all forms of genderbased violence, abuse, and harm, including the attitudes, systems and structural inequalities that cause them.
It Starts with you:
Accelerate Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls - Awareness Raising Event
100+ delegates attended the event, aimed at community and voluntary groups and organisations.
93% of delegates rated the conference as Excellent.
This is a crucial area where partnership is really important - domestic abuse/coercive control is a societal problem and needs a societal approach. I was very encouraged by the initiatives as I believe strongly that prevention is the best strategy and focusing on healthy relationships is in everyone’s interests.
Momentum Projects
8 events/workshops/activities delivered.
Human Trafficking Workshop 1 with Impact NI
100% of participants reporting they have benefited from their contact with the project.
In Her Corner’ Workshop 2 with Monkstown Boxing Club
40
40 young people from the local area participated in the workshops.
100%
Strongly agreed/agreed that they felt more confident about challenging inappropriate behaviour.
CASE STUDY
Background:
Emma*, 14, faced challenges with low selfesteem, anxiety and disengagement from education. Struggling to trust others, she often felt isolated.
Engagement with the Programme:
Emma joined the Voices of Change programme, tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG). Initially hesitant, she soon found it a safe space to express herself. She attended almost every session, engaging actively and stepping outside her comfort zone. The programme reshaped her understanding of gender-based violence and healthy relationships. Group sessions helped her build confidence and connect with peers.
Personal Growth:
As the programme progressed, Emma challenged her beliefs and contributed meaningfully to discussions. Her confidence grew, marking a turning point. A major milestone was seeking further support. She is now engaging with a therapeutic counsellor at Monkstown Boxing Club, working on resilience and self-improvement.
Conclusion
Emma’s journey shows the impact of targeted interventions. Gaining confidence and seeking support, she is transforming her life and contributing to a future where VAWG is challenged.
Women’s Winner Running Programme
The 150 residents from Antrim & Newtownabbey who attended are better equipped with the skills and knowledge to keep safe while out running/walking. Many of them were able to impart that knowledge on to other members of their group/ club on staying safe, eating well, and the importance of exercise to other people within their groups.
female residents of the Borough attended.
Seeking Refuge
- Art Exhibition with Kathryn Torney
Telling the stories of the women and children living in Virginia House refuge in
on 2 January 2025.
On this day, the refuge was providing sanctuary to 15 women (aged between 19 and 75 years old) and 14 children.
Kathryn Torney’s work with the Women’s Refuge is a prime example of effective collaboration in an innovative and creative way which delivered in a hugely in terms of impact at our conference but also on the women involved in telling their stories. The exhibition is extremely powerful in its own right with the stories resonating with so many people at the conference.
Ballymena
Street Art with Local Artists and Schools
25 pupils attended the White Ribbon workshop.
Senior’s
- Be Safe Events
Report having an increased knowledge of domestic abuse and what Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is.
Attendees.
Women’s Empowerment Programme
The Shed Antrim & Carnmoney Community Village Group
Women took part in the programme across both groups.
Our ladies had a wonderful day out at the Exhibition in Mossley although a difficult and emotional experience for them it gave them hope to know that these issues were now being talked about and positive action was being taken.
Increasing Public Awareness
Collaboration
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s EVAWG programme is built on strong, crosssector collaboration, bringing together statutory partners, community organisations, specialist charities and local creatives to tackle violence against women and girls. Working alongside the NI Executive Office, the Council coordinated efforts with PSNI, Women’s Aid, White Ribbon, Impact NI, ONUS, NEXUS, Monkstown Boxing Club, the PCSP, local artists, journalists, and schools to deliver training, awareness campaigns, community projects and support initiatives. This collaborative approach ensured expertise was shared, outreach was widened and diverse groups from young people to seniors were collectively empowered to promote safety, challenge harmful behaviours and drive meaningful cultural change across the Borough.
Impact
Council’s programme of initiatives to help end violence against women and girls has empowered communities to challenge harmful norms, improved access to lifesaving support services and built capacity among frontline workers, creating a safer, more informed society across Antrim and Newtownabbey.
T. 028 9034 0000
E. communityplanning@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/END