'Strategy to deal with high levels of violence against women and girls long-overdue'

The publication of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework and Action Plan has been welcomed by a local MLA.

SDLP Justice Spokesperson Sinéad McLaughlin said that the publication was "another important step forward in delivering the long-awaited strategy".

The consultation runs from July 4 July to October 3, 2023.

Ms McLaughlin said: "The publication of the consultation on the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework and Action Plan is another important step in tackling this scourge that results in far too many women being subjected to violence and even losing their lives.

"A strategy to deal with our very high levels of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland has been long-overdue and this comes just weeks after my colleague Claire Hanna MP raised this directly with the Prime Minister.

“The Strategic Framework rightly focuses on early intervention and the preventative steps we can take to address the root causes of deeply ingrained misogynistic attitudes in our society. I am encouraging people and community groups from all walks of life to complete the consultation and make their voices heard so that the strategy produced is as robust and ambitious as possible.

“Ultimately, the strategy will only be delivered by a restored Executive that can agree the necessary direction and funding to deal with this issue once and for all and ensure that women can live their lives free from the threat of gender-based violence.”