AQW 51576/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 10/09/2026
Answered On Date: 29/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether any assessment has been made of the relationship between domestic abuse and suicidal ideation, self-harm and suicide among women, including how this is reflected in suicide prevention services.

Answer:

During the review process of the Protect Life 2 Action Plan the principles for the strategy were re-evaluated and feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders, including those impacted by domestic violence was acknowledged and incorporated.

The new 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 (PHA) 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.