On 8 July 2026, Nikki and I visited Foyle Women’s Aid at the Foyle Family Justice Centre in Derry/Londonderry.

For almost five decades, Foyle Women’s Aid (FWA) has been a lifeline for women, children and families affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence across Derry/Londonderry, Strabane, Limavady and Dungiven. Established in 1976, the organisation exists to eliminate domestic abuse and sexual violence through prevention, advocacy, education and specialist support services.

What began as a grassroots response to the needs of women experiencing abuse has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s most respected specialist support organisations. Through her leadership and the support of a strong, committed team, Marie Brown MBE has helped shape both the growth and innovation of FWA. Passionate about improving outcomes for victims and survivors, Marie has played a key role in developing new approaches that place the needs of families at the centre of service delivery. Her vision has helped strengthen support pathways for women and children throughout the region while raising awareness of the lasting impact of domestic and sexual violence.

A Warm Welcome

On arrival, we were warmly greeted by Irene on reception, a former client of FWA and now a volunteer. She openly shared her personal journey with us, and we could see the passion she held for the organisation. The Centre was modern, bright and inviting, with a café attached delivering services to the community. We later learned that a number of women who had come through FWA had since gained employment through this service.

We were delighted to meet with Marie, who generously took the time to give us an overview of the vital work delivered by Foyle Women’s Aid. During our visit, we were shown the on-site accommodation available to women and their children, gaining first-hand insight into the safe and supportive environment created for families in times of crisis.

The Challenges Facing Survivors

Following this, we met in the boardroom to discuss the work of Foyle Women’s Aid and the challenges facing the sector. Marie highlighted the increasing impact of homelessness on women affected by domestic abuse, describing the shortage of social housing and suitable accommodation as one of the biggest barriers to recovery and independence for survivors.

Our discussion also explored the pressures facing the organisation, including rising need for services, funding constraints and the challenges created by fragmented working across government departments. Marie emphasised the importance of greater collaboration and long-term investment, so that women and families can access joined-up support across housing, health, justice and social care services.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges facing the sector, the passion and commitment of the Foyle Women’s Aid team was clear throughout our visit. Marie shared details of several forward-thinking initiatives designed to empower women and improve long-term outcomes, including:

• Dress for Success, which helps women progress into training, education and employment
• A planned Drug and Alcohol Court pilot, providing more tailored support for women engaging with the justice system
• An upcoming Zero Tolerance campaign with the Council, raising awareness and encouraging positive change across the community

It was equally inspiring to learn about Foyle Women’s Aid’s forthcoming 50th anniversary celebrations. This milestone will offer an opportunity to recognise five decades of dedicated service, reflect on the organisation’s journey and celebrate the lasting impact it has had on the lives of women, children and families throughout the Northwest.

Our Thanks

We ended our visit with a photograph to mark the occasion. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the team at FWA for their warm welcome and for sharing their knowledge and experiences with us. It was a valuable opportunity to learn more about the organisation’s impactful work, and we look forward to maintaining our strong connection and supporting their efforts as they continue to make a difference in the lives of women and families across the Northwest.

You can find out more about the work of Foyle Women’s Aid on their website and social media channels.

Leeanne O’Hara, Policy and Public Affairs Officer