NI Secretary praises valuable work undertaken by Foyle Family Justice Centre
The centre provides invaluable support to victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris MP, visited the newly opened Foyle Family Justice Centre in the city on Friday.
Mr Heaton-Harris was welcomed by the centre’s Chief Executive Officer, Marie Brown, who outlined the purpose and mission of the new service for victims of abuse.
After a tour of the new custom-built centre, which includes nine new accommodation units, Mr Heaton-Harris met with staff and board members.
“This was a positive meeting. Mr Heaton-Harris took time to listen to the issues relating to domestic abuse and sexual abuse and the challenges facing organisations trying to support victims.
“He acknowledged our frustration about hold-ups caused by political inertia and the impact on serious issues, such as domestic abuse.”
Marie Brown added that the Secretary of State agreed to return to the Foyle Family Justice Centre next year to see the progress of the project.
The Foyle Family Justice Centre, which opened last September, is the first of its kind in the UK and Ireland.
The model sees staff from all partner agencies physically located in the same building and working under one roof.
This is designed to reduce the number of times victims have to recount their ordeal and the number of places they have to go for help. It also increases access to a wider range of support services for victims.