Mothers’ Union is funding training for anyone within the Church of Ireland interested in receiving training to sign up to Safe Place or to renew their Safe Place status.

The Tier 1: Recognising & Responding to Domestic or Sexual Abuse session will be run by ONUS Training online on Wednesday October 1 at 7.30pm. Tickets for this session (free) are available at THIS LINK.

Alison Skillen, Diocesan President, Connor Diocese Mothers’ Union, said: “In the last four years, at least 28 women in Northern Ireland have been killed by someone known to them.

“These women were members of our communities, some were members of our Church.  We, as a Church, need to equip ourselves to be able to offer support and practical advice to any person, male or female, who is a victim of abuse.  

“The training offered by ONUS is an excellent introduction to the issue, and Tier 1 training can be followed up with Tier 2 which deals specifically with Safe Church. I would highly recommend this training.”

Alison said Mothers’ Union in Ireland also runs a free five-week online programme entitled ‘Equipping The Church To Take Action And End Domestic Abuse.’  

“This explores how we as a Church can do more to highlight the issue and support victims and survivors. To find out more and register for the next course which will run in 2026, please contact muchangingthestory@gmail.com,” she said.