Safeguarding

#RespectMySpace Campaign

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council recognise the importance of collaboration with partner organisations in preventing harm, promoting awareness and protecting people. 

To support this work the Council's Safeguarding team and Women’s Working Group have partnered with Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Southern Health and Social Care Trust and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust to promote the new #RespectMySpace campaign across our social media channels.

Women and girls regularly experience various types of sexual violence in public spaces, from unwelcome sexual remarks and touching to rape and femicide. It happens on streets, in and around schools, public transportation, workplaces, parks, public toilets and other spaces and even online.
 
The latest #RespectMySpace campaign from our Safeguarding Team will focus on the impact of the unwelcome sexual attention that women and girls experience here in our local community. Whether it’s travelling home from a night out or going for a run in the local park woman can experience unwanted sexual harassment.

Through the creation of a series of photo-based info graphics, the campaign aims to highlight the negative impact of men’s inappropriate sexual behaviour on women and girls.  

#RESPECTMYSPACE 

The campaign aims to highlight various scenarios faced by women and girls in public spaces as they go about their daily lives.  The messaging will be positive and will not alienate or blame men, rather it’ll encourage men to reflect on their behaviour.

We all have our parts to play, and must work towards a society where all public spaces are safe for women and girls. 

For women or girls who have experienced this type of behaviour, are feeling vulnerable, threatened or uncomfortable, help and support is available.

Remember we are here for you. Call us!

To report a concern or to speak to someone in confidence: 

Southern Health and Social Care Trust: 028 3756 7100 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) or Freephone from landlines only 0800 783 7745

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust: 0300 100 0300 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday)

Emergency Social Work Service (Regional): 028 9504 9999 (5pm-9am Monday to Friday, 24 hours Saturday/Sunday/Bank Holidays)

For further information please visit:

Domestic Abuse | Southern Health & Social Care Trust: https://setrust.hscni.net/service/south-eastern-domestic-violence-partnership/

24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414 (24 hours)

Women's Aid Armagh-Down Call 028 3025 0765

Or in an emergency dial 999

Safeguarding

For further information contact Gary Scott, Safeguarding Coordinator.
E: Gary.Scott@nmandd.org 
T: 07776 165 792

To view our Safeguarding leaflet click here. 

The NMDDC Safe Place Initiative

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is committed to the principle that Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence is unacceptable behaviour and everyone has the right to live free from fear and abuse.

The Council has been working in partnership with Onus NI on the introduction of the Safe Place Initiative across key Council facilities in the district. The Safe Place Initiative was launched by Onus NI in 2011 and since then over 1700 organisations have registered as a Safe Place. The premise behind the initiative is that it allows any business, organisation, church, school or community group to provide a ‘Safe Place’ where anyone affected by domestic abuse can confidentially access information on the range of support services available to them. 

Details of all fourteen Safe Place locations can be found below and all locations will display the Safe Place logo indicating that information on services for anyone affected by domestic violence and abuse is available at the specific site location.

The Safe Place locations across Newry, Mourne and Down District Council facilities are listed as follows:

1.       Down Leisure Centre, 114 Market Street, Downpatrick BT30 6LZ
2.       Kilkeel Leisure Centre Mourne Esplanade, Newry BT34 4DB
3.       Newcastle Centre Complex 10-14 Central Promenade, Newcastle BT33 0AA
4.       Newry Leisure Centre, 61 Patrick St, Newry BT35 8TR
5.       Bessbrook Community Centre, Mill Road, Newry BT35 7DS
6.       Cloughreagh Community Centre, Millvale Road, Newry BT35 7NH
7.       Newry Town Hall Bank Parade, Newry BT35 6HP
8.       Council Offices, O’Hagan House Monaghan Row, Newry BT35 8DJ
9.       Kilbroney Park, Shore Road, Rostrevor BT34 3AA
10.     Council Offices, Downshire Civic Centre, Ardglass Road, Downpatrick BT30 6GQ
11.     Greenbank Industrial Estate, Unit 19 Greenbank Industrial Estate Rampart Road, Newry BT34 2QU
12.     Crossmaglen Community Centre, Cardinal O'Fiaich Square, Newry BT35 9AA
13.     Warrenpoint Town Hall, Church Street, Warrenpoint BT34 3HN
14.     Ballynahinch Community Centre, 55 Windmill Street, Ballynahinch BT24 8HB