Domestic Abuse Awareness Event Hosted by Donaghadee Community Development Association in partnership with North Down and Ards Women's Aid and community partners. 

Purpose 

To rasie public awareness of domestic abuse and coercive control among local community, encourage early recognition and early intervention, and ensure that those attending leave with practical knowledge and access to support services. The event is designed as a community advice and awareness gathering, not a conference. It prioritises survivor safety, ethical practice and prevention-focused messaging. The event also provides space for reflection and solidarity following the murder of Sarah Montgomery and her baby Liam Arthur in June 2025, acknowledging the impact of domestic abuse on families and communties while avoiding harm or sensationalism.

Objectives

• Increase understanding that domestic abuse often begins with coercive control, not physical violence
• Encourage community responsibility in recognising warning signs and offering safe, practical support
• Promote local and national support services (NDA Women's Aid, PSNI, MAP, Hourglass, community resources etc)
• Provide attendees with clear take-away advice and resources
• Honour lived experience without retraumatising survivors or families
• Ensure ethical, survivor-informed media engagement