As we begin another new year it’s good to reflect upon the year we have left behind and how much we have managed to survive and what we have accomplished in that year. One of the Consortiums most significant pieces of research this year has been focused on Violence Against Women & Girls and the launch of the VAWG Strategy.
There is strong opposition within the Community & Voluntary Sector to end gender-based violence. We have to unite to show support and work to make our societies and our communities safer for all women and Girls. We need our local governments and elected officials to implement actions to enhance safety measures to ensure women and girls feel safe in all public spaces.
Since 2020 we have seen 24 women killed in N.I through Domestic Abuse, we have a significant increase in sexual attacks against women, and a spate of violent attacks on women in the North west within the last 6 months. Women are not safe anywhere, these gender-based attacks are rising all the time.
As a community we need to come together to tackle violence against women. The Executive Office has now launched the EVAWG fund which will fund 8 key organisations with experience and expertise to deliver regional support across NI. Alongside this there will be additional funding for grassroot organisations across 11 council areas. It is up to councils and organisations across NI to work together in partnerships and avoid duplication to ensure these resources make the biggest impact possible on ending violence against women and girls.
On 7th March, Women Centre Derry will be hosting an event in the Guildhall which will host 22 different organisations under one roof that provide free support services for women aimed at EVAWG. These support services will range from raising awareness of how to keep safe and also for services aimed at victims to enable them to rebuild their lives. Women Centre Derry would encourage other community groups, statutory agencies and also employers to come along and make their self-aware of these services in order to signpost women in the future.
Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is a societal issue so let’s work together as a society to make a lasting change in our community. Everyone has a responsibility and a role to play to make a real lasting change.
