Over 100 Triax frontline workers complete domestic abuse training

More than one hundred frontline workers across the Triax area have now completed accredited training designed to help them recognise and respond to domestic abuse within the community.

The initiative was developed by The Dove House Advocacy Project, in partnership with My Family Matters Foundation and Meenan Square Developments, with support from The Executive Office’s Urban Villages Initiative.

The series of workshops focused on domestic abuse awareness and safety planning, equipping participants with practical tools to support people in crisis, make informed referrals, and build safer community spaces.

Donna Maria Bradley from My Family Matters Foundation, who facilitated the training, said: “We were approached by Dove House and Meenan Square Developments to look at bringing together a programme and having so many people trained on domestic abuse and safety planning. It’s been incredible to see the level of engagement and the difference this training will make in the community.”

Dove House Manager Jayne Quigg said the training will make a real difference on the ground: “All the Triax staff now will be trained. This is 100 people at grassroots level who are speaking to their community on a day-to-day basis, who will now be able to identify the problems and signpost to relevant agencies.”

Niamh McGuinness, Women’s Advocacy Worker with The Advocacy Project at Dove House, said the programme has strengthened local capacity to respond to domestic abuse in a meaningful way: “All trainees are often the first point of contact by those in their community when they make a disclosure of domestic abuse.

“As that first point of contact, it’s great that they now have accredited training they can refer back to and help them feel confident in their ability to offer support.”

Aishling Hutton from the Brandywell Health Forum, who took part in the training, reflected on the impact it’s had on her work: “It’s actually helped me to listen better and changed my thoughts on how to listen and encourage open conversation with people and never to be judgemental.”

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This training marks a significant step forward in the Triax area’s ongoing commitment to supporting women’s safety and building a community that stands against domestic abuse. The Dove House Advocacy Project continues to work with local partners to promote safety, awareness, and early intervention across the community.