Domestic and Sexual Abuse Community Toolkit rolled out to frontline services across the borough

ANTRIM and Newtownabbey Borough Council, in partnership with the Policing and Community Safety Partnership and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have expanded the rollout of its Domestic and Sexual Abuse Community Toolkit to key frontline services, including schools, hospitals, libraries and Northern Ireland Housing Executive offices.

First launched in June 2025, the Toolkit equips community groups, volunteers, professionals, and members of the public to Recognise the signs of abuse, Respond with empathy, and Refer victims to the appropriate support services.

As part of the latest phase, the Mayor Leah Kirkpatrick, and the Deputy Mayor and Chair of the PCSP, Julie Gilmour, visited Fairview Primary School, Antrim Area Hospital, Rathcoole Housing Executive Office and Antrim Library to personally provide hard copies of this valuable resource.

The Toolkit has been designed to increase awareness, build confidence in responding to disclosures, and ensure residents know where and how to access help.

To support wider community access, posters featuring a QR code will now be displayed in participating schools, hospital departments, library branches and housing offices. The QR code links directly to the digital version of the Toolkit, allowing staff, volunteers and members of the public to access guidance quickly and discreetly.

Libraries NI branches across the Borough will continue to support the rollout in early 2026, further extending the reach of this key safeguarding resource.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, welcomed the expanded rollout: “Our aim from the outset was to ensure that this Toolkit reached the places where it could make the greatest impact. By equipping schools, hospitals, libraries and housing services, we are strengthening our collective ability to support anyone affected by domestic or sexual abuse. This partnership approach demonstrates our ongoing commitment to creating safer, more informed communities across Antrim and Newtownabbey.”

Deputy Mayor and Chair of Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP, Councillor Julie Gilmour, added: “The wider availability of this resource will help frontline staff and community organisations respond confidently and compassionately. Early intervention is key, and this Toolkit provides clear guidance on how to recognise, respond and refer. We are proud to support initiatives that ensure no one feels they have to face abuse alone.”

Superintendent Rosie Thompson of the PSNI highlighted the importance of multi-agency working: “Tackling domestic and sexual abuse requires a joined-up, community-based approach. This Toolkit will support individuals and groups to better understand how to respond to disclosures of abuse, and how to link victims with the right services at the right time.”

The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Community Toolkit is available to view and download online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/toolkit. Organisations wishing to request hard copies of the Toolkit or the posters can contact PCSP at pcsp@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk