Northern Ireland launches strategy to combat violence against women

A strategy to combat violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland is being launched, marking a significant step as it has been the only region in the UK or Ireland without such a plan. The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) strategy was first proposed in 2021, and the executive has now prioritized it in the recent Programme for Government. This initiative aims to address the alarming statistics surrounding gender-based violence, with over 4,000 reports of sexual violence and abuse made to police in the past year. Haileigh Ashton Lamont, a victim of sexual abuse, has expressed concerns regarding the criminal justice system's effectiveness in deterring offenders. She emphasizes the need for more robust consequences for perpetrators to ensure victims feel supported and safe in coming forward. The EVAWG strategy will focus on tackling the root causes of gender-based violence while also improving the justice system's response to such cases. The Gillen Review, commissioned in 2019, made numerous recommendations to enhance the experiences of victims within the justice system, many of which remain unaddressed. The review highlighted the need to combat delays in judicial processes and improve training for those involved in handling sensitive cases. As Northern Ireland Women’s Aid concludes their petition for a strategy, the launch of the EVAWG strategy is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the epidemic of violence against women and girls, fostering a safer environment for all.