Award for work on domestic violence

Pictured (l-r) are: Irvine Abraham, Onus Chairperson; Brona Turley, Environmental Health Manager, Lisburn City Council; Councillor Jenny Palmer, Chair of Lisburn City Council's Environmental Services Committee; Sandra Pinion, Environmental Health Manager, Lisburn City Council and Colette Stewart, Onus Business Manager.

The Chair of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee, Councillor Jenny Palmer, was delighted with the news and recently attended a ceremony with Environmental Health Managers, Mrs Brona Turley and Mrs Sandra Pinion to receive the award.

She said: “We are a Safe Place organisation. This means the Council supports the Safe Place Campaign Pledge never to commit, condone or stay silent about domestic violence.

“We also fully acknowledge that domestic violence is a problem which impacts on society and will play our part in supporting victims.

“The Council will also provide a Safe Place for victims of domestic violence to confidentially access information.”

Lisburn City Council is working with the organisation Onus to provide both policy and good practice on domestic violence and abuse and on how it affects the workplace. A supportive role is also offered to any Council employee who may be affected by domestic violence.

Line Managers in the Council have been trained in this area and the Council has also designated all its facilities safe places.

Mrs Palmer said: “Anyone who sees the Safe Place logo displayed can access free information on how to tackle domestic violence,

“Our reception staff have also been trained in providing confidential information to the public.”

“There are all too many people who have endured varying aspects of domestic violence and we must stand firm and say that it should be condoned,” said Mrs Palmer who encouraged other organisations to get the zero tolerance approach to domestic violence.