An MP who has previously spoken out about her experience of domestic abuse at the hands of her father has called on the Government to do more to end violence against women and girls.
Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood ahead of a ahead of a House of Commons debate next week.
In recent weeks, Ms Eastwood has also taken to social media to call highlight some of the online abuse that she has been subjected to and has called on the UK Government to do more to regulate social media.
“Northern Ireland is one of the most dangerous places in Europe to be a woman. Every life lost to gender-based violence is one too many, but the rate of cases we’ve seen here, even in just the last few weeks and months, is harrowing. In order to truly tackle this kind of violence, however, we must look upstream and recognise the behaviour that often precedes it,” she said.
“Violence against women and girls is increasingly prevalent on social media and online platforms, where frightening behavior, sexual violence, and the demeaning of women are normalised. This disturbing trend includes the radicalisation and grooming of young men and women online. The case of Alexander McCartney highlights the severe impact of this abuse, which often carries over into real life.
“Whilst some aspects of ending of violence against women and girls may be devolved to Northern Ireland, human rights are not, and the government must now urgently address the issue of violence against women and girls on a UK-wide basis, particularly given that social media regulation is a matter reserved to Westminster.
“Every life lost is a tragedy, and we must reject the narrative that these deaths are inevitable; they are preventable. With commitment from the government, we can end this unacceptable violence.
“This is an issue that’s incredibly close to my heart, and it’s something I unfortunately have very personal experience with. I’m proud to be able to use my platform to champion the protection of women and girls locally in my own constituency of Lagan Valley alongside fantastic organisations like Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid. Also, of all the work undertaken by my party colleague Naomi Long MLA in her remit as Justice Minister.”
Earlier this week, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said that women should feel “safe in every street, town, and city across this island.”
In her New Year message, Michelle O’Neill said that launching the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls strategy last year was a “top priority” for the Executive and that she would continue to ensure that its targets are delivered.
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