Safeguarding

#NOEXCUSE 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 we 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 a new digital and PR #NOEXCUSE campaign across our socila media channels.

Through the creation of a series of graphics and messaging, the campaign highlights how women and girls are impacted from the harmful attitudes and behaviours exhibited by men and boys. The campaign will coincide with the UN Women 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

Violence against women and girls is a systemic and deep-rooted problem in our society. People sometimes think of violence as physical assault only, however violence against women and girls takes many forms, such as sexual harassment, discrimination, misogyny, financial abuse, emotional violence, stalking and online abuse. There is 'No Excuse' to these behaviours and there is something that all of us can do in our daily lives to shape a better, safer and more inclusive future for everyone.

The #NOEXCUSE campaign will begin on Monday 25 November, the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. The campaign will include 3 ‘Information Sessions’ to raise community awareness of this issue.  

Information Sessions:

Information Sessions are open to all and will enable women and girls to drop-in anonymously to learn more about what services are available across the district for those experiencing gender-based violence. Representatives from the Council’s Safeguarding Team, both Trusts and Women’s Aid and other support organisations will be in attendance on the following dates;

• Monday 25 November, 10am to 2pm Newry Leisure Centre
• Tuesday 26 November, 10am to 2pm Down Leisure Centre
• Wednesday 27 November 10am to 2pm South Lakes Leisure Centre

This campaign aims to raise awareness of a range of gender-based violence, abuse and harm which is disproportionately targeted towards women and girls. Whether its sexual harassment in a public place to receiving unwanted intimate photos or videos we all need to work to ending this now! 

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