AQW 17613/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 05/11/2024
Answered On Date: 13/11/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice whether she has considered (i) a dedicated emergency response hotline; (ii) safe zones where women can find immediate help; (iii) a public awareness campaign and community engagement; (iv) an increase to funding and logistical support for local women’s groups and shelters to provide immediate assistance; and (v) other immediate responses, regarding the recent sexually motivated attacks in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

Answer:

I strongly condemn the recent attacks in the Derry City and Strabane District, women and girls have a right to live without fear or intimidation. In cases of immediate danger the advice is to call 999. The 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse (DSA) helpline is also available to connect victims with essential support services.

Derry City & Strabane District Council’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) responded swiftly with a Special Council Meeting which has led to increased Community Safety Warden patrols, and attendance at the recent Women’s Safety rally, where personal alarms and other safety resources were distributed.

Other relevant initiatives that the PCSP has supported include the provision of funding for Foyle Women’s Aid and support for the delivery healthy relationship education in local schools. The PCSP also supports vulnerable women through the provision of safety packs, security equipment referrals, and CCTV support for high-risk victims, in partnership with the PSNI. In addition, the PCSP also collaborates with Neighbourhood Watch to promote personal safety and provides items like wrist alarms.

I am also aware that the PSNI, has increased visibility in the area through foot, bike, and drone patrols . PSNI is also taking forward implementation of its “Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls” action plan, which I understand includes community outreach and “Safe Zone” considerations.

Funding is currently available from my Department, both through Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs) and through the Asset Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS) for a range of projects which aim to tackle domestic and sexual abuse. These projects provide a selection of crime prevention equipment, which includes personal alarms.

My department is also partnering with The Executive Office (TEO) and PSNI on the “Power to Change” campaign, which seeks to challenge societal acceptance of behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence, promoting zero tolerance toward actions that facilitate violence against women and girls.