Women's Aid Federation Northern Ireland

129 University Street
Belfast
BT7 1HP

Tel (Helpline): 0800 917 1414
Tel (Admin): 02890 249041
Web: www.womensaidni.org

Women's Aid is a lead voluntary organisation challenging domestic violence in Northern Ireland. They strive to create a safe and supportive society for women, children and young people affected by domestic violence. There are now ten Women’s Aid groups involved. The core aims of Women's Aid groups are:

• To provide temporary refuge to women and their children suffering mental, physical or sexual abuse within the home.
• To encourage the woman to take control of her own future, whether this involves returning home or beginning an independent life.
• To recognise and care for the emotional needs of the children involved.
• To offer support and advice to any woman who asks for it, whether or not she is living in a refuge and to offer supportive aftercare to women leaving the refuge.
• To educate and inform the public, the media, the courts, social services and other agencies.

There are currently over 400 bed spaces in fourteen hostels (known as refuges) throughout Northern Ireland. These provide immediate safety and temporary accommodation to women and their children during times of crisis. In addition, there are 19 ‘move on’ houses for families who move out of the refuge, but who require an intermediate level of support living independently, but with the resources of the refuge as a back up.