Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls 2025-05-21
2025-05-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Rates of violence against women and girls are higher in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK. The strategy must challenge enabling attitudes.
The strategy for tackling violence against women and girls must challenge the attitudes that enable it. What recent discussions has the Minister had with stakeholders across Northern Ireland to support these campaign efforts?
I have met and am supporting many groups, highlighting two that I have visited. The Foyle Family Justice Centre in Derry/Londonderry supports victims, and St Joseph’s Boys’ school in Creggan is doing fantastic work through the shaping mindsets programme with White Ribbon NI, which tackles toxic masculinity.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Rates of violence against women and girls are higher in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK. Legislative changes and longer sentences are needed.
What discussions has she had with the Minister responsible for police and justice in Northern Ireland to ensure that, legislatively, we are moving fast to try to stop violence against women and ladies in Northern Ireland?
I met the executive unit working with the police to tackle perpetrators, noting evidence that progress is being made. The Online Safety Act 2023 is being enacted through Ofcom, which undertook a consultation in Belfast recently on its draft guidance proposing practical steps for online safety and tackling misogyny.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address legislative changes explicitly asked about but discussed progress on other fronts like the Online Safety Act 2023.
Changed Subject To A Different Policy
Response accuracy