Eastwood: Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy needed

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has written to Minister for Justice Naomi Long to press for the urgent need for a Violence against Women and Girls Strategy for the North of Ireland.

The Foyle MP has expressed his support for a Women’s Aid NI campaign and petition on the matter.

Said Mr Eastwood: “I want to pay tribute to those groups who have been at the forefront campaigning on this issue for a long time and to the groups who support women and girls who have been subject to violence.

“It is baffling and wrong that Northern Ireland does not have its own unique strategy to help stop gender-based violence against women and girls.

“England, Scotland and Wales are far ahead of us on this.

“It needs to be addressed immediately by the Justice Minister and brought to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

“There can be no delay on providing protection for women and girls who have suffered or are at risk of violence.

“I am calling on Justice Minister Naomi Long to work with the administrations in Scotland and Wales to design a bespoke strategy for the North of Ireland to finally help end violence against women and girls here.”

Tags: