Blueprint for women’s safety presented to councillors following spate of Derry attacks

Officers from the PSNI’s Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams at the Top of the Hill Park area in Derry where a woman was attacked by a male with a knife (Liam McBurney/PA)

placeholder image — Officers from the PSNI’s Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams at the Top of the Hill Park area in Derry where a woman was attacked by a male with a knife (Liam McBurney/PA)

Document lays out ten strategic actions to end violence against women and girls in Derry

A special council meeting to discuss recent attacks on women in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area has taken place.

Councillors were presented with what Sinn Féin councillor Patricia Logue described as a “blueprint” aimed at addressing the issue.

Produced collaboratively by Foyle Women’s Information Network, the document contained input from Waterside Women’s Centre; Derry Well Women’s Centre; Derry Women’s Centre; and Strathfoyle Women’s Activity Group.

It contained 10 strategic actions to end violence against women and girls in the Derry and Strabane District.

Council was asked to endorse and mobilise a Reclaim the Night March and promote it through Council channels.

Speaking to the document, Catherine Cooke, co-ordinator of Foyle Women’s Information Network, asked council to mobilise community networks to encourage participation during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

“This unified show of solidarity will amplify your commitment to ending violence against women and girls, raising awareness and inspiring community unity,” said Ms Cooke, who also spoke about the need for Council to initiate educational digital campaigns around respect and consent.

“Council should develop a Women’s Safety Awareness campaign with guidance on staying safe and accessing resources,” said Ms Cooke.

“It could collaborate with local organisations and the PSNI to ensure impactful delivery and community engagement. This would drive cultural change, educating young people about respect and equipping women with essential safety knowledge and resources.

“Council could also schedule a town hall meeting during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence through the Mayor’s Office and invite everyone from the community to engage in open, constructive conversations.

“Discussions aimed at collective strategies to end violence against women and girls could be facilitated. Facilitating direct community dialogue will foster collaboration, understanding, and actionable solutions, strengthening the community’s resolve.

“In addition, Council could work with the Department for Infrastructure and PSNI to ensure all streetlights are functioning. It could also Identify and address gaps in CCTV coverage, focusing on high-risk areas and conduct regular audits and maintenance to maintain effective lighting and surveillance,” said Ms Cooke, who said there was also a need to identify other obstacles to visibility e.g. tree coverage, city-centre construction work.

“Improved lighting and CCTV coverage will reduce feelings of vulnerability, deter threats, and provide evidence when needed, enhancing public safety,” added McCooke, who also referred to the “Ask for Angela” initiative to be introduced across all licensed premises in the area, to foster a culture of safety in nightlife venues.”

Ms Cooke highlighted the need to conduct proactive checks on rogue taxis and the urgency of working with Translink to improve public transport safety.

“Council also needs to engage with men’s mental health groups for community Campaigns and to develop awareness campaigns focused on healthy masculinity and violence prevention,” she added.

She also spoke of the need for Derry City and Strabane District Council to reinstate the position of Women’s officer within Council, to “ensure a sustained and strategic approach to addressing women’s issues, empowering the community and influencing positive change”.

Finally, Council was asked to endorse and mobilise an International Women’s Day Event each March, “in line with the 2025 theme #AccelerateAction”.

“Celebrating women and connecting them with resources will strengthen community bonds, raise awareness, and inspire action toward gender equality and safety,” said Ms Cooke.

The meeting also received presentations from Marie Brown, director of Foyle Women’s Aid; Margaret Gallagher, NSPCC; and Yvonne Mc Manus, PSNI, chief inspector, engagement and vulnerability, Derry City and Strabane; and Gillian Kearney.

A Rally for Women’s Safety is also taking place in Guildhall Square at 6.15pm this evening. People have been asked to assemble at St Mary’s Church in Creggan to make their way to Free Derry Corner before going on to The Guildhall for the rally.