Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has said that the Ending Violence against Women and Girls Strategy must be progressed as a priority.

Michelle O’Neill said:

“Tackling violence against women and girls must be a priority right across our society. There can be no place or tolerance for sexism and misogyny.

“Every day, women and girls face violence in the form of domestic and sexual abuse, stalking, harassment and intimidation.

“This is a consequence of systemic gender inequality and must be tackled by challenging that inequality, sexism and misogyny at its roots.

“The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy has the potential, if properly implemented, to begin to tackle the root causes of this violence.

“We welcome the Year 1 Action plan as the first step in the seven-year strategy, which must be properly resourced and funded. 

“Tackling, and eradicating, violence against women and girls must be a priority for society and the strategy and action plan must reflect our ambition to be successful in these aims.

“There must be no delays, women and girls cannot wait any longer.”