A LOCAL MLA has said society needs a ‘co-ordinated and sustained response’ to violence against women and girls.
Speaking after a meeting in Stormont between a Bangor-based women’s organisation and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Assemblyman Stephen Dunne said proper resources are needed for prevention and education alongside ‘robust action’ against perpetrators.
Mr Dunne hosted the delegation from Kilcooley Women’s Centre to Stormont, including CEO Alison Blayney and said North Down is no stranger to the heart breaking effect of violence against women and girls.
The DUP MLA said violence against women and girls is one of the most pressing issues facing society today, and much more needs to be done to ‘really tackle and end it’.
Mr Dunne said it was important that Ms Little-Pengelly heard the voices of those ‘working on the front line’ who are dealing with domestic violence victims on a regular basis.
“Tragically, our local area has recently faced too many heartbreaking incidents, shattering families and leaving lasting irreplaceable voids in their lives, and these victims of violence must never be forgotten,” said Mr Dunne.
“Kilcooley Women’s Centre provides invaluable support to women and families in Ards and North Down, often at times of great vulnerability and crisis. Their insight, experience and dedication are vital in shaping the policies and responses we need to keep women and girls safe.
“By facilitating this engagement, I wanted to ensure that their concerns, challenges and recommendations are directly considered by decision-makers,” he said.
Mr Dunne said government needs to bring together community organisations, statutory agencies and society as a whole to eradicate violence and gender based abuse.
“That means proper resources for prevention, education, and frontline services, alongside robust action against perpetrators. I will continue to stand with Kilcooley Women’s Centre and other groups working tirelessly to protect women and girls, and I am determined to play my part in ensuring this issue remains a top priority through my role as MLA,” he said.
