SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin
She was speaking after meeting with representatives from the organisation.
Women’s Aid NI will lose its funding from the Department of Health’s Core Grant from the end of September.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I am really appalled at the cut to Women’s Aid funding that has been proposed.
“At a time when we should be doing everything possible to tackle the scourge of domestic violence across our society, it is a total betrayal of women and girls and shows just how shallow the British government’s commitment to supporting the people of Northern Ireland is.
“Each time a new case of domestic abuse comes to prominence in the media, it is followed by warm words, but it seems those words are not matched by the funding that is so badly needed.
“When this cut was first announced, it came with an outpouring of solidarity from many who have engaged with Women’s Aid NI over the years, but it appears the Secretary of State has refused to listen so far.
“It is even more absurd that the cut is proposed at a time when the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy is currently out for consultation.
“People will be rightly asking themselves how we can make progress on these issues without providing the very organisations who are helping to shape policy with the funding that they deserve.
“Women’s Aid NI plays a crucial role in providing vital support each and every day to policy makers.
“I am of the strong belief that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland should intervene here and prevent this cruel cut before it is too late.”
Tags: