Nurses to receive dedicated training on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls

From this autumn, nursing students at Queen’s University Belfast will receive dedicated training on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

'The Unlock Safety Initiative', aims to equip future nurses with the skills to recognise abuse and respond effectively.

Developed in collaboration with the Royal College of Nursing, School of Nursing & Midwifery Queen’s University Belfast, Women’s Aid Federation NI and the End Violence Against Women and Girls Change Fund at The Executive Office, this initiative marks a significant step forward in tackling the issue of violence against women and girls.

It has the potential to reach over 600 student nurses.

It comes as PSNI data reveals that domestic abuse accounts for around 20% of all recorded crime in the region. Tragically, six women were killed last year—most in their own homes.

Sarah Mason MBE, CEO of Women’s Aid Federation NI, said:

“Women’s Aid are thrilled to be part of this great initiative, the first of its kind in NI. We were certainly pushing at an open door with RCN and QUB at what is a most opportune time with Ending Violence Against Women and Girls a key issue on the Programme for Government, and with the secure funding from The Executive Office Change Fund that made this happen.

“Working in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing and School of Nursing and Midwifery, QUB, Women’s Aid Federation are delighted to be part of this robust capacity building training model for nursing students across the whole three years of their degree. This exciting model will raise awareness, develop knowledge and understanding and build capacity to respond. The potential reach of this training is vast with 600 student nurses joining the NHS workforce equipped with tools to address violence against women and girls. This is good day on the road to prevention.”