Call for implementation of government strategy to end violence against women and girls

"The horrific murder of Chloe Mitchell is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact that misogyny and violence against women and girls continues to have in this society."

These were the words of Derry City and Strabane District councillor Sandra Duffy (Sinn Fein), who was calling for the "implementation of a long-awaited government strategy to end violence against women and girls".

Cllr Duffy made her remarks in conjunction with her motion to Derry City and Strabane District Council on the issue.

Record numbers of domestic abuse reports are a ‘harrowing reminder’ of the violence in Ireland

She said: “I am sure that all parties will support my motion extending condolences and solidarity to the family of Chloe Mitchell and all those who have lost their lives or who have suffered as a result of gender-based violence.

“One death is too many and Chloe’s horrific murder is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact that violence against women and girls continues to have across our society. Chloe was the 18th woman to be killed across the North since 2020 while Women’s Aid report that there is an incident of domestic abuse here every 16 minutes.

“That is appalling and it is completely unacceptable. There needs to be a zero tolerance approach to all gender based violence but also to the misogynistic culture and attitudes that drive and normalise it. To do that we need a comprehensive, multi-departmental strategy in place that is ambitious and properly resourced.

“It is welcome that the Executive’s planned ‘Ending Violence Against Women and Girls’ strategy is expected to go out for public consultation in the near future. It is vital, however, that we have an Executive in place as soon as possible, with Ministers driving forward implementation of the strategy. Women and girls cannot wait any longer, we need an Executive in place now to prioritise this work."

Full text of Cllr Duffy's Motion:

"That this Council extends our condolences and solidarity to the family of Chloe Mitchell and all those who have lost their lives or who have suffered as a result of gender-based violence in this society; further recognises that misogyny continues to permeate much of our society and that the planned ‘Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy’ is urgently needed to begin addressing this unacceptable  violence as well as the culture and attitudes that drive and normalise it."