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Northern Ireland Women's Aid Federation is the lead
voluntary organisation challenging domestic violence. We strive to create a safe and supportive society for women,
children and young people affected by domestic
violence.
The creation of a safe and supportive society requires clear
and consistent messages about the unacceptability of domestic violence.
The context and effect of domestic violence needs to be understood
in terms of cultural attitudes, gender and power in relationships.
Women’s Aid Federation
Northern Ireland provides support and development of services and
policies. It ensures the
co-ordination of policy development with a wide range of statutory and
voluntary bodies through liaison, lobbying and campaigning. There are
currently eleven Women's Aid Groups
affiliated to Women’s Aid Federation
Northern Ireland.
This strategic plan for
the next three years is structured within the framework of our key
aims. Building on 21 years
experience, the plan relates to present reality and perceived future
needs. It is essential that
this strategic plan be implemented in a way whereby individuals, groups
and communities are enabled and supported to bring about positive change.
"The maintenance and promotion of a self-help ethos is central to
the underlying principles which underpin Women’s Aid Federation
Northern Ireland development, planning and
provision.”
(SSI
Efficiency Scrutiny Evaluation 1996)
Objectives
and Strategic response
Key
Aim 1: Educate and inform others of the social context of domestic
violence, in particular, the attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate that
violence.
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Identify
the needs of women, children and young people affected by domestic
violence and campaign and lobby pro-actively on their behalf.
-
Challenge
the attitudes and beliefs held in relation to women’s position in
society which perpetuate violence in the home.
-
Maintain
and develop information and publicity strategies to promote the work
of Women’s Aid.
-
Disseminate
information and raise awareness on the impact of domestic violence on
society.
-
Enable
the development of local and regional inter-agency partnerships to
progress the creation of a safe and supportive community for those
affected by domestic violence.
-
Promote
non-abusive relationships through preventative work.
Key Aim 2: Support and
promote the core aims of Women’s Aid
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Respond to the identified needs of communities of
interest
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Provide information, training and resources.
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Maintain and develop a 24 hour Helpline
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Develop policies to promote good practice
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Campaign and lobby to secure resources.
Key Aim 3: Encourage the
promotion of a self-help ethos to achieve
equitable, effective and efficient working relationships.
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Adhere to a code of ethics that is built upon a value
base which, in practice promotes a safe working environment
-
Recognise differing skills, knowledge and experiences
of all women and encourage them to use these in their working
relationships.
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Utilise available resources to enhance the
effectiveness of individuals and groups working within Women’s Aid
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Maintain and develop information, communication and
decision-making systems within the organisation.
-
Encourage the use of informal support and formal
management structures.
Key
Aim 4: Monitor and evaluate our work to be inclusive and
accountable to all communities of interest.
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