PSNI Launch New Violence Against Women And Girls Action Plan

With women and girls in Northern Ireland disproportionately affected by violence, abuse and intimidation, the PSNI has formally launched its first Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan for policing.

From April 2021 to March 2022, in Northern Ireland, women and girls made up 78% of all victims of sexual crimes, 68% of domestic abuse, 64% of harassment and as of April 2022, 95% of stalking crimes.

This makes tackling VAWG a top priority for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and Chief Constable Simon Byrne has said the service is 'sending a strong message that it will not be tolerated' and that if you are targeting women and girls 'you will be relentlessly pursued'.

The new document sets out, for the first time in NI, a clear framework for how the Police Service will play its part to tackle this important and enduring societal issue.

It is aligned with the UK National Strategy under three key pillars:

• Building trust and confidence in policing to tackling violence against women and girls

• Relentlessly pursuing perpetrators of violence and supporting victims

• Creating safer spaces for women and girls

The Action Plan is focused on prevention, early intervention, partnership working and enhanced support for victims and has been influenced at a local level in collaboration with numerous key partners for example, experts within the wider criminal justice system and victim support and advocacy groups.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: "We cannot ignore the lived experiences of so many female victims. Harassment, intimidation, violence and abuse is a violation of human dignity.

"We will be working to better recognise, understand, address and reduce the fear experienced by women and girls.

"We can and we will be pursuing those who seek to harm them, using every power available to us.

"Through our action plan we will also be focused on bettering our own culture and continuing to educate our officers and staff to understand the impact of unacceptable attitudes and behaviours, taking effective and appropriate action against those who may take advantage of their trusted position in society."

National Police Coordinator for Violence against Women and Girls, Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, said: "Violence against women and girls is a shameful stain on society. Too often women and girls do not feel safe at work, home, on the streets or online and perpetrators are the cause.

"I welcome the Police Service of Northern Ireland's action plan which demonstrates their commitment to relentlessly pursue perpetrators, ensure women and girls are given safe routes to report and get support, and root out toxic misogyny in our own ranks and in society. Police are increasing the use of unique powers to bring perpetrators to justice, monitor offenders and disrupt their vile activities. Each action plan written is another crucial step towards achieving our mission to turn the tables so violent men feel under threat and not women and girls.

"I am confident that the Police Service of Northern Ireland's approach to developing this plan including working in partnership, focusing on prevention and engaging with the right people will give the service every opportunity to achieve its objectives, and most importantly, protect women and girls."

Between 2017 and 2021, 34 women and girls across Northern Ireland were killed by men. Many others faced other forms of male violence, abuse and intimidation, both within their own homes and the wider community.

Addressing this harrowing statistic, Chief Constable Simon Byrne added: "It is important to recognise that this targeted behaviour crosses social and economic boundaries. To effectively tackle complex societal issues like this, we need everyone to actively champion the change that is needed.

"The actions we will be taking over the next two years are clear, and there will be more priorities and actions taken thereafter but policing can't end violence against women and girls on its own.

"For this to really work, to really make a change for all women and girls, we need to work in partnership with all parts of society.

"This is a watershed moment. Never before has there been such a shared focus and ambition to radically reduce violence against women and girls and we must keep the momentum going."

Endorsing the Police Service's approach, Women's Aid Federation of Northern Ireland's CEO Sarah Mason said: "The launch today of the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Action Plan to tackle violence against women and girls is an historic day for all women and girls in Northern Ireland, finally bringing Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK.

"The Police taking this first step is welcomed by Women's Aid but we are clear that we need a whole Northern Ireland approach to tackle VAWG in all its forms and look forward to local Government taking the next step. Women's Aid would like to acknowledge the partnership approach from the Police Service in developing this action plan."

An Independent Advisory Group will be set up to oversee the outcomes of the action plan and public scrutiny into this work is expected.