Women’s Resource and Development Agency Responds to Northern Ireland Affairs Committee Questionnaire on Violence Against Women & Girls
Belfast, June 2025 – The Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) has submitted a comprehensive response to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee's questionnaire on Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) in Northern Ireland. This response highlights the unique challenges faced by women and girls in the region and calls for urgent action to address these issues.
Introduction
The WRDA, a membership organization supporting women's groups and networks across Northern Ireland, emphasizes the importance of grassroots involvement in shaping policies that affect women. The agency works to enhance communication between the women's sector and all levels of government, advocating for women's rights and equality.
Key Findings
Prevalence of VAWG: Violence against women and girls is more prevalent in Northern Ireland compared to the rest of the UK, exacerbated by distrust in the police and criminal justice system, and the legacy of the conflict.
Unique Manifestations: Paramilitary coercive control adds a unique dimension to the violence experienced by women in Northern Ireland, including threats and intimidation linked to paramilitary groups.
Economic Impact: Gender inequality and economic distress, worsened by benefit reforms and austerity policies, make women particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation and violence.
Online Abuse: Women in Northern Ireland face significant online abuse, especially when discussing paramilitarism, with public figures often instigating such abuse.
Recommendations
The WRDA calls for several actions to be taken by the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to end VAWG, including:
Implementing UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Investing in the women's sector in Northern Ireland, particularly in VAWG work and peacebuilding.
Include Northern Ireland more robustly in the National Action Plan.
Expanding the definition of Honour-Based Abuse to include paramilitary-controlled areas.
Conclusion
The WRDA urges the UK Government and Northern Ireland Executive to work together to implement these recommendations and ensure that women and girls in Northern Ireland are protected from violence and have their voices heard in policy-making processes.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact: Elaine Crory Women’s Sector Lobbyist, WRDA Email: elaine.crory@wrda.net
ENDS
Read the full consultation response here.