SDLP Ballyarnett councillor Catherine McDaid
The status is achieved upon completion of training with the social enterprise ‘Onus’. Five Councils have already been awarded the status.
Speaking after introducing her successful motion at Council, Cllr. McDaid said: “Tackling the scourge of domestic abuse across our city and district is something that Council has discussed many times, but I feel strongly that we must take all practical steps possible within our gift as Councillors to make progress on this important issue.
“These steps must include ensuring that everyone has a safe place from domestic abuse and that’s why I was proud to introduce this motion for council facilities to secure this designation.
“This training enables those who work at the designated safe places to recognise domestic and sexual abuse, gain insight into it and find out how they can respond to anyone who has experienced it.
“Five Councils across the North have already secured this status and I felt it was only right that Derry City and Strabane District Council joined this list of local authorities who are stepping forward in this way.
“Across the city already, more than twenty organisations have also already decided to become ‘Safe Places’ such as Creggan Library, Foyle Women’s Information Network, St John’s Primary School and Waterside Women.
“The unanimous support offered by Council to this motion is a clear sign of solidarity with people affected by domestic abuse and an important practical measure of support.
“Of course, it is also essential that a funded Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy is introduced by a restored Executive at Stormont to help address this heinous crime.
“I would urge the DUP to end its boycott of our institutions so that we can see this Strategy delivered without delay.”
