The scourge of domestic violence costs Northern Ireland £180 million each year, it emerged today.
The figure was highlighted by a new group at Queen’s University Belfast whichwill help tackle domestic violence.
The Domestic Violence Research Special Interest Group is the first of its kind on the island of Ireland to bring together researchers, policy makers, health and social care professionals, plus charities and support groups.
The body will provide access to the latest research into domestic violence and help inform the development of more effective and efficient ways of tackling the problem.
“Domestic violence is a significant social problem in Northern Ireland. Last year, the police responded to an incident of domestic violence every 23 minutes, yet we know many cases go unreported,” said Dr John Devaney from the School of
Sociology, Social Policy and Social Work, who is co-chair of the new group.
“Around 11,000 children are directly affected by domestic abuse and the cost to the Northern Ireland economy is estimated at £180million annually.
“This is equivalent to the deferral of water charges each year or the building of nine new post-primary schools.
“The Government’s ‘Tackling Violence at Home’ strategy in 2005 highlighted the need to develop policies and services to counter domestic violence.
“The group will provide a forum to share the latest research findings and shape future research to help improve our understanding of the problem. Ultimately, our aim is to help rid our society of the scourge of domestic violence.”
The first meeting of the group, which is part-funded by the Department of Health, will take place at Queens today.
It will be addressed by Prof Julie Taylor from the University of Dundee, who led the development of a similar initiative in Scotland.
Dr Anne Lazenbatt, NSPCC reader in Childhood Studies at Queen’s and co-chair of the group, said: “Violence at home is a common experience for around 15 per cent of women aged over 55 years.
“While some have been living with an abusive partner for many years others, who have begun a new relationship in later life, may be experiencing domestic violence for the first time.
“Our research, which is funded by the Changing Ageing Partnership, has foundt hat older women are less likely to seek help, partly because of the lack of specialist services available to them.
“They are more likely to resort to misusing alcohol or prescription drugs in order to cope, resulting in problems for their physical and mental health.
“This research, which will be published in full next year, highlights the need for more support services for older women and awareness of the fact that they too suffer domestic abuse.
She added: “Through research like this, the group can help inform the development of policies and services to tackle domestic violence.”
PA