SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has called for new a strategy to tackle violence against women to include a dedicated under 18s Sexual Offense Legal Advisers Office and to introduce preventative educational strategy in local schools to tackle growing misogynistic attitudes.
Ms Hunter, who has been re-elected to Co-Chair on Domestic & Sexual Violence All Party Group at Stormont, has condemned the lack of investment for victims of sexual violence in the North West.
Said the East Derry MLA: “In Stormont yesterday I challenged the Minister for Justice Naomi Long on the failure of our courts to consistently provide the PPS with the appropriate information as to what evidence will be presented at trial in rape cases.
“These cases routinely see the presentation of invasive medical, counselling and therapy notes, often to the shock and dismay of victims who find themselves further traumatised by their disclosure.
“The continuing scourge of violence against women in our society is an unbearable reality that is particularly acute in the North West, the Executive must face up to the failings on this issue and work to ensure that better services are provided to those who find themselves victim.
“Women’s Aid currently do phenomenal work but desperately need more investment to meet growing demand.
“Today, we are missing a comprehensive preventative strategy to deal with this issue and I am advocating in my position as Deputy Chair on the Domestic & Sexual Violence All Party Group, to establish a comprehensive education strategy to help prevent these crimes from happening in the future.
“I have liaised extensively with the Sexual Offense Legal Advisers (SOLA) organisation who provide an incredible and essential service to the women and men who find themselves victim to these awful crimes.
“But I recognise that SOLA are overstretched in their capacity to adequately deal with the number of cases that come before them, and the vital need to establish a dedicated under 18s SOLA body.
“As an East Derry MLA I will continue to work tirelessly to support victims of sexual offences and will continue to press at Stormont to find housing solutions for our most vulnerable women and men.”
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