Research into the scale of domestic violence in rural areas was the focus of a major project by social policy student Rozeanne McCabe, who graduates today with a first-class honours degree.

The Derrylin woman’s project – carried out in association with Fermanagh Women’s Aid – has already helped the charity to tap into thousands of pounds of support funding –with more expected.

"I found that factors such as isolation, lack of transport, lack of information were all major barriers to women in Fermanagh seeking support on domestic violence issues.

"I hope my work will be of value to Fermanagh Women's Aid in helping them get additional resources to do their valuable work," said Rozeanne.

Kerry Flood, Strategic Development Worker for Fermanagh Women’s Aid,said Rozeanne's work had already made a big difference:

"Through Rozeanne's work we have already been able to secure €56,000 from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin – the first time we've ever been funded by a southern body.

"The money will be used for a cross-border project exploring domestic violence and its links with sectarianism, xenophobia and homophobia in the context of rural isolation."

Rozeanne's project could yet unlock more funding for the charity: her work underpins an application for £120,000 from the UK's Comic Relief to help the charity's childcare team,and was part of an application for £500,000 to the Big Lottery Fund, for an initiative focused on the needs of older people in relation to domestic violence, said Ms Flood.