Actions to End Violence Against Women and Girls agreed by Council

Before Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) suspended its March plenary as a mark of respect for Amy Doherty, councillors passed a number of proposals aimed at ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG) in the electoral area.

The first councillor to do so was Cllr Aisling Hutton (Sinn Féin). Her proposal was seconded by party colleague Cllr Christopher Jackson.

Cllr Hutton’s proposal read: “Derry City and Strabane District Council should formally seek to become a regional pilot area for the rollout of the ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ (HSKT) training programme, developed under The Executive Office’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.

“As the HSKT initiative transitions from pilot to wider implementation, there is a significant opportunity for this Council to take a leadership role in shaping how the programme is delivered at community level.

“Derry and Strabane is uniquely placed to fulfil this role due to its strong network of community and voluntary organisations, established multi-agency partnerships, and proven commitment to tackling inequality and promoting community wellbeing.

“Central to this proposal is a commitment to delivering HKST through a coordinated multi-agency model, working in partnership with: statutory organisations (health, education, policing); community and voluntary sector organisations; local support services and advocacy groups; and businesses and employers.

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“This approach will ensure: consistency of messaging and training quality; avoidance of duplication; and maximisation of existing expertise and resources.

“To ensure maximum reach and impact, the programme will be rolled out within the community, including: community centres - as accessible, trusted local hubs; schools and youth settings - supporting early intervention and education; and local businesses and workplaces - extending awareness and responsibility across society.

“This model ensures the training is not confined to professionals, but becomes embedded within everyday community life.

A Council led pilot would include: a train the trainer model, developing local champions across sectors; a tiered training approach, tailored to different audiences; integration with existing safeguarding and wellbeing programmes; a mapping exercise to align current provision and identify gaps; and ongoing monitoring and evaluation, contributing to regional learning.

“By taking on this role, Derry City and Strabane District Council would: act as a regional leader in prevention and early intervention; support the scaling of an evidence based programme; strengthen cross sector collaboration; deliver a coordinated visible response to violence against women and girls.

“This is an opportunity not only to respond to a growing crisis, but to lead the way in addressing it.

“By becoming a regional pilot for the HSKT programme, and embedding its delivery across our community infrastructure, we can ensure that awareness, prevention, and early intervention are not abstract concepts but real, practical actions reaching into every part of our society.

“Council will write to all Executive Ministers to ensure this training is piloted within our Council area as a matter of urgency.”

The next proposal came from Ald Chelsea Cooke (DUP) and was seconded by Ald Julie Middleton (DUP).

It proposed: “Council will set up a working group to actively work on ending violence against women and girls. A place where we can solely meet to talk openly about this issue and turn these conversations into actions.

“We would aim to: improve collaboration between agencies and services; identify gaps in current provision and recommend improvements; and promote awareness, education and early intervention initiatives.

The working group should include: local council departments and DCSDC Women’s Officer; elected representatives; police; health services; education sector; EVAWG and domestic abuse organisations; women’s sector organisations; local women’s group representatives; and community representatives.”

Proposed by Cllr Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit) and seconded by Cllr Catherine McDaid (SDLP), said: “Council agrees on the need for urgent action to address violence against women and girls / gender-based violence and calls on and will write to the Stormont Executive to:

“Fully support comprehensive Relationship and Sexual Health Education (RSE) in our schools; implement the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act; ensure proper funding of women’s shelters and Community and Voluntary sector organisations supporting women through barriers to work and access to benefits; implement a genuine anti-poverty strategy that gives women greater levels of equality and agency; address the housing crisis to give women an opportunity and means to escape domestic abuse; address medical misogyny across our health service; and immediately institute a review of women’s pay in vital frontline occupations, including but not limited to care, in schools and the Health Service.”

SDLP councillors Catherine McDaid and Brian Tierney proposed and seconded a motion calling on Council to write to the Justice Minister.

It said: “Council will ask for: How many reports of domestic violence have been reported in the last five years? How many of these cases have been taken through the court system over the past five years? How many of these cases have resulted in a custodial sentence?

“The Council will work with the Justice Department on a cross-border basis so that there are no gaps, no delays, and no safe spaces for perpetrators to evade accountability.”

Cllr Sandra Duffy (Sinn Féin) then proposed that “in light of today’s discussion and the tragic events over recent days, as a Council we must do everything we can to address and stamp out misogyny, particularly as a large employer in this Council area”.

She added: “We need to send a clear message and one of zero tolerance that misogyny will not be tolerated in the workplace and this message relayed to all staff as a matter of urgency.” The proposal was seconded by Cllr Paul Boggs (Sinn Féin).

Before the meeting closed with a minute’s silence in memory of Amy Doherty, Mayor Ruairí McHugh proposed the Council adopt the White Ribbon campaign.

His proposal, which was seconded by Cllr Fergal Leonard (Sinn Féin) said: “The White Ribbon campaign is globally recognised and seeks to engage men and boys as allies in the fight against violence towards women, recognising they play a crucial role in challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours and promoting respect, equality and non-violence.

“The White Ribbon has become an important symbol in the fight against gender-based violence. 

“I propose that Council build on this and explore the opportunity to become affiliated and accredited by the White Ribbon campaign.

The Derry City and Strabane District Council meeting can be watched back HERE.