Lack of capacity to tackle violence against women cannot be ignored – DUP leader

Police concerns around their capacity to tackle violence against women and girls “cannot be ignored”, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has said.

He made the comments as the issue dominated political discussions this week after the deaths of two women this month and the conviction of Stephen McCullagh for the murder of his pregnant partner Natalie McNally.

A man appeared in court on Friday charged with the murder of Amy Doherty in Londonderry at the weekend, while another man appeared in court charged with the murder of Ellie Flanagan in Fermanagh earlier this month.

The issue of violence against women and girls was the “substantive” issue discussed by the Executive on Thursday, according to Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, who said he was considering organising a summit of women’s rights and community groups to engage with people on the issue of domestic violence.

In a letter to DUP members, Mr Robinson raised evidence PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher gave to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster that the PSNI is “not resourced to deal with this issue as effectively as it should be”.

“That is a concern that cannot be ignored,” the DUP leader told party members.

“If we expect results, we have to ensure policing is properly equipped.

“Justice Minister Naomi Long, speaking about barristers’ pay, said that if a business case stacked up, then she would fight for the budget allocation for their pay rise.

“She needs to do the same for the PSNI so they can properly tackle the monsters who are terrorising women.”

He said there was also a broader community responsibility between parents and schools and warned against the so-called manosphere and views of women “rooted in objectification and entitlement”.

“Too many women in Northern Ireland do not feel safe. That should trouble every one of us,” Mr Robinson said.

“On Thursday in Londonderry, I joined Gregory Campbell MP and local councillor Julie Middleton in signing the book of condolence for Amy Doherty at the Guildhall.

“It was a sobering moment, a reminder that behind every headline is a grieving family and a community left asking why and worryingly, who’s next?”