Womens Aid Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey

We offer a number of services providing information and support for women and children who are living with the affects of domestic violence and abuse.

Accommodation Support Services
Ruth House, Ballymena opened in November 2014.  It provides a total of six, one and two bedroom apartments where vulnerable women and children affected by domestic abuse can be accommodated in their own self contained family living environment.

Virginia House
Virginia House is emergency accommodation which is available to women and children experiencing violence in their own homes or in the community.

Floating Support Service
Practical and emotional support is provided to families affected by domestic violence who choose to remain at home or in a community setting through a floating support service.

The aim of the service is to help women, specific to their domestic violence situation, to maintain and sustain their home through making informed choices about their accommodation needs.

The main areas of focus are:

• Safety Planning - Addressing women’s safety and security needs
• Housing Advice - General housing advice and, in the event of a ‘move-on’, ensuring appropriate resettlement services for women. Explaining terms and conditions of tenancy agreements
• Money Management - Welfare benefits information, including housing benefits
• Advocacy - Advocacy on behalf of women where domestic violence has decreased their ability to act on their own behalf.
• Specialist Services - Informing women of the availability of specialist services for example mental health / addiction, etc
• Facilitating access - To other supports, particularly those which promote / develop empowerment and self-reliance and form the basis of an exit strategy from floating support services.

Community Resettlement
Community Resettlement Team work in conjunction with the Floating Support Team to maintain and sustain women in their homes. They support women following crisis intervention who require support to implement future determination.

Reconnect Project
Reconnect supports women who have experienced domestic violence. Through a social and personal development programme you can meet other women and get support to move on with your life.

Court Support
Support is offered to women who need to attend court on any issue relating to domestic violence. The benefits include:

• Confidential support service
• Private waiting room
• Refreshments available
• Court support worker to clarify information during the process
• Someone who is familiar with court
• Pre-court visit if required
• Accompaniment to solicitors

Information and signposting
Access is provided to a variety of agencies offering services to victims of domestic violence:

• NI Housing Executive
• Social Services Agency
• Independent Advice Agencies
• PSNI
• Health Services
• Legal Services