Northern Ireland Launches New Plan to End Violence Against Women and Girls
First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have jointly launched a new 2026-2028 delivery plan aimed at ending violence against women and girls (EVAWG) in Northern Ireland, with an additional £2 million earmarked for the initiative's second phase.
The plan, unveiled at an event attended by survivors, government stakeholders, and partner organisations, outlines a series of strategic actions designed to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence, improve support services for victims, and hold perpetrators accountable.
Background
The new delivery plan is a continuation of the Strategic Framework established in 2024 and forms part of a seven-year strategy that has received a total investment of £5 million since its inception. The urgency of the initiative is underscored by a stark statistic: 30 women have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the levels of violence as an "epidemic" and a "scourge of our society."
Key Developments
A central aspect of the next phase is tackling misogyny in young men, including working with young boys and men on behaviours, coercive control, and understanding healthy relationships through training delivered in schools, sporting organisations, and hospitals. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly stressed that prevention is key to tackling the underlying causes of violence before it starts, and criticised online platforms, referring to social media as an "absolute sewer" due to its role in promoting misogyny.
Belfast City Council is also supporting the strategy through its Local Change Fund, which has provided almost £255,000 to 50 community and voluntary groups for projects delivered between summer 2025 and April 2026. According to 4ni.co.uk, the cross-party launch signals a unified political will to address the issue.
Why It Matters
The cross-party nature of the launch — with both the First Minister and deputy First Minister from different political traditions — signals a rare moment of political unity on a critical social issue. The plan has been welcomed by advocacy groups as a critical step forward in addressing what they describe as a societal crisis.
What's Next
The 2026-2028 delivery plan will be implemented across Northern Ireland, with progress monitored by the Executive Office. Community organisations and statutory bodies will work together to deliver training, awareness campaigns, and support services for those affected by gender-based violence.
