SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has called for urgent progress on the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy after new statistics were revealed about the prevalence of domestic abuse in the North of Ireland.
The statistics have revealed an increase of 6.5% in the number of domestic abuse incidents in the North of Ireland over the past twelve months, bringing the total number to 33,186 incidents recorded.
Said Ms. McLaughlin: “These stark statistics confirm the grim reality of domestic abuse which is still affecting far too many people across our society.
“It is particularly concerning that ten policing districts have showed an increase in the number of domestic abuse incidents this year compared to last.
“Just here in Derry we have seen an increase of almost 200 incidents between July 2021 and June 2022.
“The fact is that far from making progress, we are going backwards on this issue and more women are suffering the consequences.
“These statistics are even more frustrating when you consider that we do not yet have a Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
“This speaks volumes about the seriousness with which this crisis is being treated by the Executive parties and is a truly damning indictment of the state of our politics and the priorities of our political leaders.
“Domestic abuse is a heinous crime can never be normalised in our society and we need to do everything possible to eradicate it once and for all.
“We can’t wait any longer for our government to wake up to this crisis.
“We need to see progress on the Strategy and we also need to ensure that it is fully resourced and implemented.
“I have written to the Justice Minister, to ask what progress can be made in the absence of an Executive.”
