The Lord Mayor of ABC Borough Council has announced Women’s Aid Armagh Down as her chosen charity for her term in office.
Women’s Aid is a national charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse against women and children, with nearly 180 affiliated organisations across the country.
Welcoming Women’s Aid to the Palace in Armagh, Lord Mayor Sarah Duffy described the charity as one that is very close to her heart.
She commented: “The charity provides shelter and support for many women across our borough, as well as educational opportunities, a safe place and short-term crisis management.”
The Lord Mayor also critiqued what she described as “chronic underfunding” of the charity at a time when violence against women and girls is at an “all-time high”, pointing to the fact over 258 women in the borough are on a waiting list for refuge and support.
She added: “I hope with funds raised this coming year, together we can make a difference to those women but also to educate, encourage and promote positive behaviour towards women.
“I’m also delighted to launch a digital campaign from our safeguarding team to call out misogyny, speak up and encourage positive behaviour towards women and girls creating a safe environment where everyone feels welcome.”
Eileen Murphy, CEO at Women’s Aid Armagh Down, commented: “From myself, and everyone in the team, we would like to thank the Lord Mayor for selecting Women’s Aid as the chosen charity. As an organisation we are committed to empowering survivors and creating a society free from domestic abuse.
“By supporting Women’s Aid, you can help us to raise awareness, foster resilience, and advocate for change. Together, we can ensure that no woman or child suffers in silence, and that domestic abuse becomes a thing of the past. We also welcome the new digital campaign, a great initiative to raise awareness and encourage others to speak up.”
Newry Women’s Aid was formed in 1983 after the worldwide movement began in the early 1970s.
In 2013, Newry Women’s Aid became Women’s Aid Armagh Down, expanding the support services out beyond Newry and into the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon areas.
Last year, 2,557 women and children were supported by the group through locally-based refuge, community support or other projects.
A Sinn Fein Councillor, Sarah Duffy was elected Lord Mayor of ABC in June, alongside Deputy Lord Mayor UUP Councillor Kyle Savage.
Aged 32, she is the youngest female representative to take up the role of Lord Mayor for the ABC Borough.
