Councillors are calling on Stormont departments to help find funding for a Derry charity that supports victims of domestic violence and coercive control.
At a meeting of the Derry City and Strabane District Council Health and Community Committee it was agreed that council will write to the Department of Health, Department for Communities, Department of Justice, as well as council’s statutory partners to try and identify funding streams that could help the La Dolce Vita Project stay open.
The proposal was brought by Alliance Councillor Rachael Ferguson who said: “Many of you will know of the recent report where another woman was [allegedly] murdered in Northern Ireland which now we have seen 10 women killed in the last 16 months as a result of domestic violence towards women and girls. It’s absolutely heartbreaking and women are living in fear.
“We have all seen the increased numbers of domestic violence cases during lockdown and these are just the cases that have been reported, as we know many instances go unreported.
“The La Dolce Vita Project, of which I am a member of their Board, is a local charity who support any victims of domestic violence, female or male, and they have seen a huge increase in their referrals.
“They currently have 28 members of our community on their waiting list for assessment and these referrals deal with a number of issues from providing safety, protection, legal and emotional support.
“They have been applying to multiple bodies for support and more recently applied to the Big Lottery but unfortunately they were not successful and now find themselves very close to closing their doors.
“I am fully aware that council has limited resources and many charities are fighting for much deserved funding which is why I’m asking for council to work with La Dolce Vita Project and write to relevant bodies to help identify funding streams that will help them to continue doing the great work they do for our City and District.”
Sinn Féin Councillor Sandra Duffy seconded the proposal with all parties unanimously in support.
