Call for the implementation of a strategy to end violence against women and girls
Derry and Strabane councillors to discuss the issue following the murder of Ballymena woman Chloe Mitchell
A motion will be brought before Derry City and Strabane District Council calling for the implementation of a government strategy to end violence against women and girls.
The motion will be discussed at a full meeting of the council tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday) in the Guildhall.
It comes in the wake of the murder of Ballymena woman Chloe Mitchell.
Brandon John Rainey, 26, of James Street in Ballymena, has been charged with murdering Ms Mitchell.
Tabling the motion, Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy said the 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".
“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," Cllr Duffy said.
“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."