To ask the Minister of Health what services will exist for male and female victims of domestic abuse across Health and Social Care during the (i) 2020/21; and (ii) 2021/22 financial years.

A range of services are provided for male and female victims of domestic abuse across Health and Social Care, for example: Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing for high risk victims; routine enquiry across all maternity services; a range of children’s services for those that need health and social care support and protection; and SLA’s with Women’s Aid groups providing emergency accommodation and outreach to children and their families. The Health and Social Care Board has also commissioned the Men’s Advisory Project and Nexus NI to provide counselling services.

The Department is piloting the ‘Identification and Referral to Improve Safety’ advocacy programme in GP Practices across East Belfast and Newry/Down over 2020/21. The Department also part funds the freephone 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline.

The budget for 2021/22 has not yet been set and the Department is therefore unable to confirm what services will be supported in 2021/22 at this time.