MPs will hold an evidence session on violence against women and
girls (VAWG) in Northern Ireland - focusing on victims'
experiences and the Government's role in tackling the problem.
Academic research suggests that Northern Ireland is
one of the most dangerous places in Europe for women, with
violence against them
rising since the end of the Troubles. Following allegations
of this sort of violence in the past week, disturbances have
taken place in parts of Northern Ireland, raising wider issues
including the adequacy of police funding to deal with these
situations.
Next week's Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
evidence session will examine trends in the prevalence of VAWG in
Northern Ireland, how the experiences of violence compare with
other parts of the UK, the impact it has on women and girls and
the wider community, and the role of education in tackling it.
It will also explore the Northern Ireland Executive's approach to
protecting women and girls and what more the UK Government needs
to do to end VAWG in Northern Ireland.
Earlier this year, the committee met with organisations in
Northern Ireland which support women who have suffered violence
and will hold a further evidence session before the summer recess
focussing on online VAWG.
MP, Chair of the Northern
Ireland Affairs Committee, said:
“The unacceptable prevalence of violence against women and girls
in Northern Ireland is not just a statistic – but a grim daily
reality for many. The scale of the problem should shock us all
into action. As a committee, we are determined to shine a light
on the experiences of those affected and will be examining what
more the Government and others can do to put an end to an
intolerable situation that must not go on any longer.”
Witnesses from 9.30am, Committee Room 6, Palace of
Westminster
-
Dr Siobhán McAlister, Senior
Lecturer in Criminology, Queens University Belfast
-
DCI Zoe McKee, Head of Public Protection,
Police Service of Northern Ireland
-
Sonya McMullan, Regional Services Manager,
Women's Aid NI
