Domestic abuse report released

The workshop was the starting point of a piece of work which looked at the difficulties of supporting families experiencing domestic violence in the border areas of NI and the Republic of Ireland. It also looked at the additional barriers due to jurisdiction and legislation issues.

One of the key findings of the report is the apparent absence of protocol for dealing with these issues strategically as well as a lack of cross-border communication on this issue.

The NSPCC and Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service have also jointly created materials which aim to raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence on children.

Fiona Doherty, manager of Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service, said, "A multi-agency approach is the only way forward in enabling a holistic and co-ordinated response to tackling domestic violence in the cross-border areas. This work needs to be incorporated into the work of all organisations working in the area of child and family safety. Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service will continually strive to promote and develop services which will respond to the needs of children suffering at the hands of an abuser in the home."

Margaret Gallagher, local campaigns co-ordinator for NSPCC NI, said: "The NSPCC are pleased to form a partnership with Donegal Women's Domestic Violence Service to develop the workshop and this subsequent report.

"The issue of children witnessing domestic violence is a key concern of the NSPCC and we believe that a strategic interagency response from organisations on both sides of the border will help address the additional difficulties facing families experiencing domestic violence in the border regions.

"We also hope that these cross-border leaflets "Parenting children and teenagers who have experienced domestic violence" will help to promote awareness on this important issue."

For a copy of the report contact [email protected] or [email protected] .