NIHRC Urges Coordinated Action to End Violence Against Women and Girls

As we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) on calls government and public authorities to work together to take stronger, coordinated action to protect women and girls from violence and abuse.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) occurs in many forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment, child, early and forced marriage, trafficking, and online through cyber violence and hate speech. It can violate the right to life; the right not to be tortured or treated in an inhuman and degrading way; the right to respect private and family life; the right to bodily autonomy; and the right not to be discriminated against.

The Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, Alyson Kilpatrick, stated:

"It is a tragedy that violence against women and girls continues to ravage society in Northern Ireland. It is a grave human rights violation which leaves women extremely vulnerable and without the full enjoyment of any of their rights. It takes the lives of women and girls when their death could be prevented. We are experiencing a rise in the number of homicides, which should shame us into putting its demise at the top of everyone's list of priorities. The United Nations records that one in three women in the world have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life. This is mirrored in our local communities. It accounts for the majority of police incidents, a vast number of medical resources and the loss of so many economic opportunities. It tears families apart and devastates children. No society can thrive while this is the case. There is an urgent need for systemic change and sustained investment in prevention, protection, and support services.

"Wrap-around services such as provided by the Foyle Family Justice Centre provide a great example of what coordinated multi-agency support can do. We need to ensure that such services are available throughout our communities in Northern Ireland."

Director of the Foyle Family Justice Centre Marie Brown MBE added:

"Indeed, the figures on domestic abuse in Northern Ireland are stark and continue to rise. I welcome the Chief Commissioner’s statement of support for the interagency model of work being carried out within the Family Justice Centre to tackle abuse in all its forms. However, the dedication and hard work happening on the ground must be matched by political will and adequate resourcing to ensure that the key experienced agencies working in this field can effectively combat abuse wherever it occurs. Let’s break the silo and put victims and survivors first."

Marie also added:

’’It is good that we have so much attention being paid in the 16 Days of Action against VAWG however I have a particular concern about the under resourcing of policing and the high risk of further homicides.’’

NIHRC continues to work with partners across Northern Ireland like the Foyle Family Justice Centre. On 8 December, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's Annual Statement 2025 will provide an assessment of law policy and practice in this area. The Commission works to ensure that commitments under international human rights standards and Windsor Framework Article 2 are fully implemented by the UK Government and the NI Executive.

ENDS

For more information contact media@nihrc.org .

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Foyle Family Justice Centre (FFJC) is a one-stop centre, with onsite and offsite agencies and programmes, for individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse. For more information see: Family Justice Centre – Foyle
2. Over the past year, the PSNI recorded 29,751 domestic abuse incidents in Northern Ireland, with 18,393 domestic abuse recorded crimes.
3. Additionally, there were six deaths in NI (all of whom were women) with a domestic abuse motivation recorded by the police in 2024/2025. Since 2020, at least 28 adult women have been murdered in NI.
4. PSNI stats found at: Domestic Abuse Statistics | PSNI
5. For more information about women’s rights and violence against women in Northern Ireland, you can read more at this link to our Annual Statement: Publication - Annual Human Rights Statement 2024 | Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission .The Annual Statement 2025 will be published on 8 December 2025 at Stormont.

Read more about the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the 2025 campaign here.