Back to Understanding Abuse in Different Communities
Women can experience many forms of domestic and sexual abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial and online abuse.
While abuse can affect anyone, women are disproportionately impacted by certain types of abuse, particularly sexual violence, coercive control, and abuse within intimate partner relationships.
Women also experience higher rates of repeated victimisation and are much more likely to be seriously hurt (Walby and Allen, 2004; Walby and Towers, 2018) or killed than male victims of domestic abuse.
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is recognised across Northern Ireland as a serious and widespread issue. It includes a range of harmful behaviours, from domestic abuse and sexual violence to harassment and online abuse and is rooted in inequality and harmful attitudes.
Sources:
Women's aid: Why do we say domestic abuse is gendered?
Abuse against women can include:
Some women may face additional barriers when seeking support, including:
These misconceptions can silence victims, minimise their experiences, or prevent them from seeking help.
Understanding the reality of abuse helps create safer communities where people feel supported and believed.
Fact
False allegations are extremely rare (CPS,2022). This harmful myth stops women from reporting. Domestic abuse is widely underreported – with less than 1 in 5 individuals feeling able to go to the police.
Source:
Women's Aid: Myths about domestic abuse.
Fact
In most cases, domestic abuse is experienced by women and perpetrated by men. Since 2020 in Northern Ireland, 30 women have been violently killed. In all but one case, the perpetrator or suspected perpetrator has been a man. In most, the man was well known to the woman.
Source:
Women’s aid: ‘Myths about domestic abuse’. (1)
BBC News: ‘Why is Northern Ireland ‘UK’s most dangerous place to be a woman’?’, March 2026. (2)
have been raped or sexually assaulted since the age of 16.
1
will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
2
Sources:
Rape Crisis England & Wales (1)
Women’s Aid: Domestic Abuse: Facts and Figures (2)
Support is available, and you do not have to face this alone. You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline for confidential support, information and guidance.
You may also find it helpful to explore specialist support services for Women:
0808 2000 247 (National 24/7 helpline)
Refuge UK provides specialist support and refuges for women and children affected by domestic violence.
028 9080 8030 (central)
info@womensaidni.org
Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland is an organisation in NI working to end domestic and sexual violence, offering services and refuge.
028 9335 1199
info@cithrah.org
Cithrah Foundation provides support and advocacy for women and families affected by domestic abuse.
028 9024 9452
tracey.mcdowell@hereni.org
Here NI support and services for lesbian and bisexual women in Northern Ireland.
028 9043 8316
info@nexusni.org
Provides counselling and support for survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence in Northern Ireland.
0800 0246 991
Rape Crisis Northern Ireland is a non-governmental organisation and support service for anyone who is 16 and over and has experienced serious sexual assault and rape in adulthood.
028 9040 1280
therowan@northerntrust.hscni.net
Regional Sexual Assault Referral Centre offering medical and forensic support to survivors.
028 9048 6139
info@flourish.org.uk
Supports survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery in Northern Ireland.