AQW 38127/22-27
Ms Sian Mulholland
Alliance Party
North Antrim
Tabled Date: 13/01/2026
Answered On Date: 05/03/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any (i) programmes; (ii) funding streams; or (iii) initiatives, supported by his Department, that engage sports clubs in addressing (a) domestic abuse; (b) misogyny; or (c) violence against women and girls.
Answer:
This is an operational matter for Sport NI who have advised me as follows- “Following requests for training in this area, Sport NI offered Keeping Adults Safe in Sport training to governing bodies in January and March 2025, which was facilitated by Volunteer Now. Sport NI then offered governing bodies Domestic Abuse in Sport Awareness Sessions (including Safe Leave Act) in November 2025, which was facilitated by Women’s Aid Federation NI. 36 participants across 26 Governing bodies attended the two sessions. Feedback welcomed the guidance provided and indicated they would be interested in future training in this area. Sport NI are currently working to procure an adult safeguarding service for the sports sector. This is scheduled to commence by the end of February 2026 and operate until March 2027. This will provide guidance, advice and support to the sports sector, including sports clubs, regarding adult safeguarding queries including violence against women and girls. Sport NI representatives are also scheduled to meet with TEO Local Change fund representatives to explore work through the Change Funding pot for work with men and boys in the sports sector. The meeting is scheduled for 3rd February 2026 and will look at the GAA Gamechanger Programme and IFA Fair Game project.”
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