Survey Extended: Exploring the Role of Firearms in Violence Against Women and Girls

WRDA opened a survey some weeks ago on the role that firearms play in domestic abuse and other forms of VAWG in Northern Ireland. It was due to close on 6th October, but we are now extending the closing date until Monday 20th October. 

By comparison with the other jurisdictions on these islands, Northern Ireland is a heavily armed society. As well as legally held firearms and firearms license holders, which in May of this year numbered 53,607, there are still illegally held firearms that are part of the legacy of the conflict. In addition, the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland has led to a situation where trust in police is lower than in other jurisdictions.

We also have a particular issue with violence against women and girls. Murder using firearms is still relatively rare, but we know – both from earlier research carried out by Monica McWilliams and from the experiences of survivors – that abuse and threats to use firearms in the home is far more common than that.

This research seeks to understand how common it is, and what we can do about it. The recommendations will be taken forward by the Women’s Sector Lobbyist who has secured a meeting with the Justice Minister to discuss the issue, and the full report will be launched in December.

Whether recent or not so recent, and whether or not threats ever materialised into violence, we urge anyone with relevant information to complete the survey. It is entirely anonymous, and may help women and children currently trapped in abusive situations.

If you would like to take part please follow this link.