Footprints Women’s Centre at Colinmill launched the project after securing £29,346 through the small grant scheme jointly managed by Northern Ireland’s justice and health departments under their joint domestic and sexual abuse (DSA) strategy.

The project will help strengthen Footprints’s existing services by improving access to legal information and justice-related support, including ‘navigator’ help with housing, court processes and advocacy.

Speaking after a visit to the charity, justice minister Naomi Long said: “I want to commend Footprints for the vital work they have been doing in the Colin area for the past 35 years.

“Since taking up post as justice minister, I have been tireless in my commitment to tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence.

“Society can no longer turn a blind eye, or accept domestic abuse and sexual violence as part of ‘normal’ life. We must challenge old-school attitudes that enable such abuse and instead empower communities, like this one, to intervene.

“If we can bring about cultural and behavioural change, coupled with legal protections, we can help create a safer society for all.”

Health minister Mike Nesbitt added: “I was very grateful for the opportunity to visit Footprints Women’s Centre, learn more about this important project and meet both staff and participants to hear about their experiences.

“The small grants scheme reflects our recognition of the critical role that community and voluntary organisations play in providing vital assistance to victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

“I’m delighted that the Scheme was able to fund this crucial work, which is a strong example of how targeted, community-based initiatives can have a real and immediate impact.”

During their visit, the ministers learned how Footprints supports women at different stages of their experience to help reduce further risk and improve their long-term outcomes.

They had the opportunity to hear more about the range of services on offer across education and training, sustainable living, wellbeing, and financial management.

Lisa Maclean, CEO of Footprints Women’s Centre, said: “Support for women and families experiencing domestic and sexual violence has been a core tenet of Footprints since our inception 35 years ago. The trauma experienced by women in abusive relationships can make their next steps feel uncertain.

“We welcome that the departmental funding from health and justice allows us to increase the support we provide, lifting the practical and administrative burdens women face, while helping to link the women and their children in with health and wellbeing support.

“Engaging with ministers was a valuable opportunity, not only to outline the ongoing importance of accessible services in a trusted, community-based environment, but also to highlight that these persistent and complex issues can only be addressed through ongoing partnerships and collaboration between government and the community and voluntary sector.”