SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has welcomed the publication of the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy but added that it must be fully implemented and funded.
Ms McLaughlin said: “Ending violence against women and girls should be a central mission of government and the publication of this strategy is long overdue.
“Over the years, we have all stood at vigils and rallies to declare that this epidemic must end.
“Even in recent weeks, we have seen numerous high-profile examples of why this strategy is so urgently needed.
“Three women have been killed here in just the last month, part of the twenty-three women who have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. The publication of this strategy must represent a moment of true change if this is to be ended once and for all.
“Violence against women and girls is deeply rooted here, fuelled by misogynistic attitudes that are present through all levels of society. It will not be addressed overnight and requires action throughout government and wider society.
“It will come as a shock to some that the First Minister’s statement referenced a fund of just £3 million, to be spent over two years.
“While the implementation of the strategic framework is key and funding cannot solve every issue, many people will rightly be asking whether change can be achieved without the requisite level of funding that is needed.
“Meanwhile, in the South, the new domestic violence agency is funded by over £60 million with a team of thirty-five members of staff.
“I absolutely appreciate that we are in a different working environment than the South, but this cannot excuse a lack of ambition or transparency on the amount of public funding that could be allocated to implement the strategy.”
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