AQW 30800/22-27
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 10/09/2025
Answered On Date: 25/09/2025
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail how his Department is addressing the link between domestic abuse and suicide within service provision.
Answer:
The new Protect Life 2 Strategy Action Plan includes a specific action 2.2, to implement place or setting based strategies to effectively raise awareness of available support, both universally and through targeted outreach; tailored to the needs of families, communities and groups of interest. This action contains a deliverable around support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. The Public Health Agency also fund a small grant programme throughout Northern Ireland. As part of the 2025/26 programme 7 projects supporting those impacted by domestic abuse have been funded. There may be potential for further targeting future PHA small grants opportunities on activities focusing on domestic violence suicide prevention and support. However, I must stress that full delivery of all the actions within Protect Life 2 will only be possible subject to the necessary funding being secured. Supporting victims to disclose domestic abuse in the first place will help identify the appropriate supports required for the individual and may prevent further harm / suicide. Routine Enquiry involves asking all women who are accessing services, regardless of whether there are any indicators or suspicions, about abuse, so that they can be offered supportive interventions including information, safety planning and referral. In Northern Ireland this approach has been established across Maternity, Health Visiting and Family Nurse Partnership Services. The PHA fund Lifeline, Northern Ireland’s crisis response helpline for people experiencing distress or despair or who are suicidal. Victims of domestic abuse can avail of the service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year and provides compassionate, trauma-informed support.
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