Domestic abuse policy earns Council '˜gold'

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Deputy Mayor James McCorkell, Leanne Abernethy, PCSP Deputy Chair, Melissa Lemon, PCSP Officer and Alderman William King, PCSP Chair with the awards received by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Bushmills

It received a Gold Award at The Onus Workplace Charter Awards held earlier this week in The Braid, Ballymena.

The policy ensures that Council will effectively respond to all disclosures of abuse and provide assistance and support for victims.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey said: “It is great to see that the Policing and Community Safety Partnership is tackling this issue throughout the borough. This Gold Award shows that our Council is leading by example and I hope we inspire other organisations to follow suit. Domestic violence is an issue that impacts society as a whole and the onus is on us to tackle the problem. ”

Bushmills was also recognised at the ceremony as the village received its ‘Safe Village’ award. It is the first area in Northern Ireland to receive this accolade and means the entire village promotes a zero tolerance approach to domestic abuse.

The Chair of Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP, Alderman William King said: “These awards show that our region is leading the way when it comes to tackling this issue. It is important that victims of abuse know they have support and guidance available to them throughout the borough. As a PCSP we are delighted to be working in partnership with Onus. We share a common goal to create a society with a zero tolerance approach to domestic abuse.”

Any organisations who would like to find out more about becoming a ‘Safe Place’ can contact Melissa Lemon, Policing and Community Safety Partnership Officer by ringing 028 7034 7031.