Councillor lobbying for housing priority points for domestic abuse victims

by Gráinne Connolly

Mid Ulster District Councillor, Niamh Doris is lobbying for those affected by domestic abuse to be awarded priority points from the housing executive. 

The Sinn Féin Councillor said: 

"It has recently come to my attention that those who are being intimidated for sectarian, racial or disability hate crimes receive "intimidation points", however those who are suffering intimidation from their partner, ex-partner or family members do not receive the same points. 

"It is a very brave move for victims of domestic abuse to come forward and reach out for help, and when they do ask for the help they need they should be  accommodated as a matter of urgency." 

Miss Doris went on to explain that she acknowledges the waiting list for housing is extremely high, particularly in her own area of Coalisland. 

However she feels there needs to be more urgency in the case of domestic abuse victims:

"Victims and in particular children affected by domestic abuse need to be in a safe environment so that they can start to rebuild their lives."

"It's an unacceptable situation as it is another barrier for women in particular, and women with children leaving violent partners."

Mid Ulster District Council held a special council meeting last Thursday evening on housing and Councillor Doris brought her issue to the attention of the housing executive. 

As a result the housing executive will be running a public consultation going out in December. 

However, along with her Sinn Féin colleagues who have been lobbying for this over the last few years, Niamh Doris will continue to lobby and sees this as a "priority issue" that should be brought forward as soon as possible.