Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid has been awarded £200,000 for a project to support older people in Northern Ireland. The grant, awarded by the Big Lottery Fund, will be used to reach out to older people who suffer domestic abuse in the area. Previous research by Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid has found that one in six women over 60 suffer from some form of domestic abuse.
Speaking about the project to the BBC, Senior Manager Patricia Lyness said
“This programme will enable us to get out into the communities where these women are and to offer a life line to them. Many feel that because of their age and life-limiting issues that there is little point in speaking out, but everyone is entitled to live a life free from violence and fear.
“We have worked with women in their 80s and 90s who find their way to us and are amazed at the freedom that came with speaking out and the support which was available to help them keep safe and recover from past violence and abuse.”
If you suffer domestic abuse, you can get help and support by calling the 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 802 1414, or by contacting your local Women’s Aid group.