The Links Group were represented at a most incredible interactive event held at The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), Belfast yesterday described as “where theatre meets policymaking”. Housing Rights in partnership with North Down and Ards Women’s Aid and Arts & Homelessness International used Legislative Theatre process which got everyone working together towards policy solutions to prevent homelessness for women experiencing domestic abuse in Northern Ireland.
Together, ten female survivors of domestic abuse took centre stage together to act out real-life experiences, assisted by two fantastic facilitators (Katy Rubin, Creative Civic Strategist at The People Act and Samra Said, Co-Director of Arts & Homelessness International.
Together, they demonstrated some of the reality of trying to leave an abusive relationship.
Together, they showed some of the many barriers they faced, not least the threat of having to flee the home.
Words alone can’t do justice to the impact this form of presentation had.
But together, the survivors, the delegates and the representatives from Housing Rights, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Francis Hanna & Co. solicitors, the Department of Communities, the Department of Justice, the Public Health Agency and the Executive Office came together to create proposals for policy development in this area.
After a short and buzzing break, we re-convened to hear the commitments made there and then by each of the representatives.
We were so pleased to be accompanied by Lauren Suitor, Cats Protection Lifeline Coordinator. Jointly, we raised awareness of the importance of considering pets and animals in domestic abuse strategy and policy development, given that Northern Ireland is one of the few areas of the UK not currently covered by a specialist domestic abuse animal fostering service, where the needs and safety of both the human and animal victims are implicitly understood and supported.
We were also given the opportunity to highlight that this is not just an urban problem confined to dogs, cats and smaller pets, and that horses, farm animals and those living in rural environments where it may be more difficult to leave and/or access support must be considered to protect animals and protect people.
Congratulations, and thanks to the participants and organisers for this tremendous achievement. We look forward to seeing the “Next Steps” update!
Housing Rights Women’s Aid North Down & Ards Arts & Homelessness International The People Act Legislative Theatre
Funded by The Community Foundation Northern Ireland
