‘Walk A Mile In Her Shoes’ for Women’s Aid ABCLN

The branch, which covers Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey, said the campaign was about "empathy".

"It's about being able to put yourself in the shoes of someone who has experienced domestic abuse," said Arlene Creighton, Women’s Aid ABCLN fundraiser.

"A mile is a very short distance in terms of the journey that women have to endure, because it goes on for year and years. One in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and that abuse can take many forms.

“People automatically assume domestic abuse is physical abuse, but it much more than that. It is about the coercive control and behaviours; it is about emotional abuse. The number of women who access our service who say: 'At least if I had a bruise, black eye or broken bone, I could say look what he did to me.'”

“It is so important that we recognise that domestic abuse doesn’t stop at a certain age. Older women tell us they might be older but they are no safer.

"With over 8,000 domestic abuse incidents reported to the PSNI during lockdown, we need your support now more than ever to help raise awareness.”

Arlene added: “Join our Walk A Mile campaign and help us to get the message out there for anyone affected by domestic abuse that you are not alone - Women’s Aid ABCLN is here for you and help is available.”

For more information and to register, call Women’s Aid ABCLN on 028 25 632136, email [email protected] or to make a donation simply go to www.justgiving.com/womensaidabcln