The training aims to equip over 600 future nurses each year with the skills to recognise abuse
Nursing students at Queen’s University Belfast will be the first in the UK to receive specialist training on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls as part of their degree.
Officially rolled out on campus today (Wednesday), this training is part of a pioneering programme, The Unlock Safety Initiative.
Developed in collaboration between Women’s Aid Federation NI, the Royal College of Nursing, the End Violence Against Women and Girls Change Fund at The Executive Office, and the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s, this groundbreaking initiative will be delivered annually to pre-registration nursing students throughout their degree programme.
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The training aims to equip over 600 future nurses each year with the skills to recognise abuse, respond effectively to disclosures, and connect patients with support services.
With PSNI data revealing that domestic abuse accounted for around 20% of all recorded crime in the region in 2024, and with six women tragically killed last year, this programme marks a significant step forward in tackling the issue of violence against women and girls.
Speaking about the importance of this course, Johanna McMullan, Director of Education, School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s stated: “Nurses and midwives have a unique relationship with those in their care, as well as their families. We are often right beside them, supporting them when they are at their most vulnerable, and it is a role that we take very seriously.
“Often regarded as one of the most trusted professions, part of our job is to have extremely difficult and challenging conversations with patients in our care, and sometimes we are their first port of call.
“The sad reality is that most of our students who receive this fundamental training, will inevitably have to utilise these skills in some capacity throughout their career. I have no doubt that this incredible initiative will have a profound and lasting impact on our students.”
As part of the initiative, participating nurses will receive a ‘ Feeling Safe is Key’ badge, signifying their training and letting patients know they are a safe and trusted professional to confide in.
Sarah Mason MBE, CEO of Women’s Aid Federation NI, added: “Women’s Aid are thrilled to be part of this great initiative, the first of its kind in NI and we are delighted to be working with such engaging partners to bring this project to life. Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is a key issue on the Programme for Government, and support from The Executive Office Change Fund has made this training possible.
“Working in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing and School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s, Women’s Aid Federation are delighted to be part of this robust capacity building training model for nursing students across the whole three years of their degree.
“This exciting model will raise awareness, develop knowledge and understanding, and build capacity to respond. The potential reach of this training is vast with these student nurses joining the NHS workforce equipped with tools to address violence against women and girls. This is good day on the road to prevention.
“Nurses and midwives have a vital role to play in identifying and supporting victims of domestic abuse. In Northern Ireland in the last year Women’s Aid have supported 7,637 women and 5,293 children had mums supported in our services.
“We also know that pregnancy can be a trigger for domestic abuse and in the last year Women’s Aid supported 266 women who were pregnant and 10 babies were born whilst their mother was in refuge. We all can do something to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, and this project is part of that prevention model to make NI a safer place for everyone.”
Professor Rita Devlin, Executive Director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Northern Ireland, commented: “Domestic abuse remains one of society’s most pervasive yet hidden issues. While some healthcare professionals recognise the signs, many still lack the training and confidence to act effectively.
“All healthcare workers should be equipped to identify abuse, including knowing who may be at risk, how abuse presents in different settings and how to start difficult but vital conversations.
“With women making up nearly 90% of the nursing workforce, this initiative will prepare nursing students to address domestic abuse from the start of their careers. This is an essential step to ensure our profession takes a leading role in tackling violence against women and girls.”
The Unlock Safety Initiative aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills to support victims and contribute to ending violence against women in Northern Ireland and create a safer society for everyone.
To find out more about this programme, visit: womensaidni.org/resources/unlocksafety/.
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