One Day. One Refuge. Exhibition Opens at Parliament Buildings

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick was joined by deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA, Junior Minister Aisling Reilly MLA, and Gillian Creevy, CEO Women’s Aid ANCLN to officially launch the new ‘One Day. One Refuge’ exhibition at Parliament Buildings, Belfast.

The exhibition forms part of a wider programme of work addressing Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and highlights the realities faced by women and children seeking safety, support and refuge. Through visual storytelling and lived experience narratives, One Day. One Refuge. invites reflection on the urgent need for awareness, compassion and collective action.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick commented:

“This exhibition reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. It places human stories at the heart of our work, reminding us to look beyond statistics to the resilience, hopes and realities of those affected by violence and displacement. Liora’s Hope speaks about endurance and healing, while Seeking Refuge highlights the universal need for safety dignity and belonging.

Violence against women and girls remains an urgent issue that demands collective responsibility and sustained commitment. This exhibition will hopefully motivate people to reflect, start conversations, and help build communities where women and girls are safe, valued and free from fear.”

Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly MLA said:

“The Seeking Refuge, One Day, One Refuge exhibition is a powerful yet painful glimpse into the lives of women and girls impacted by domestic abuse. While this exhibition reflects the stories told to journalist Kathryn Torney on one day, sadly it’s an ongoing reality for many women who are experiencing abuse every day of the year. The stories told by survivors in the exhibition, inspire us to renew our commitment to bring an end to violence against women and girls.”

Junior Minister, Aisling Reilly MLA said:

“This exhibition is a stark reminder of the real impact violence against women and girls has on people’s lives. The courage of the women who have shared their stories deserves enormous respect, and by speaking out they are helping others know they are not alone and support is available. Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is a key priority for The Executive and I want to thank Women’s Aid and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for the work they are doing to support this.”

Gillian Creevy CEO, Women’s Aid ABCLN added:

"This project shines a light on Refuge, offering a brief glimpse into the lives of women and children in crisis who have called it home. While we will always provide nurturing, therapeutic support, we are working toward a future where refuge is no longer a necessity. To do that, we have to keep changing the game.”

“Through The Executive Office EVAWG strategy and support from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, we are bringing real change to children and young people with our 'Heading for Healthy Relationships' schools programme. Alongside this, our new Workplace Charter will empower people to recognise the signs of misogyny, domestic abuse and violence against women and girls before they reach a crisis point.”

“Our goal is to ensure every organisation and individual is equipped to recognise and respond - knowing Women’s Aid specialist support is available for anyone who needs it."

The exhibition will be accessible to the public during Parliament Buildings’ normal opening hours until Tuesday 31st March. Visitors are advised to check current opening times and access arrangements in advance of their visit, as these may be subject to change.

For more information on the Seeking Refuge initiative and related work under the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme, visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/seeking-refuge