Ending all forms of violence, abuse, and harm against women and girls is one of the most pressing challenges facing our society today.
This Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) will address the whole range of gender-based violence, abuse and harm which is disproportionately experienced by women and girls, and which is rooted in gender inequality.
Violence against women and girls is a very serious challenge in our society. It is a problem that is hidden in plain sight and every day we see how it is affecting the lives of women and girls, wherever they learn, live, and work.
In 2021, the Northern Ireland Executive directed that a Strategy to End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) be developed, and the Executive Office is leading on this whole of government, whole of society approach.
Violence, abuse and harm against women and girls cuts across all generations, all communities, and all spheres of our society. It exists everywhere.
Throughout our communities there is a growing awareness and a sense of urgency that more needs to be done. Increasing numbers of us are saying enough is enough.
By working collaboratively, we can build a society wide movement for prevention to drive the transformational change that is needed to end violence against women and girls.
The Strategic Framework has been co-designed by a wide range of people representing different organisations and viewpoints from across society and government, community and voluntary and other sectors, including people with lived experience.
This sets the agenda for all of government and society to work together to end violence against women and girls.
Click on the image on the right to view the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework.
An easy read version is available via the link below:
The first Delivery Plan,covering the first 2 years (2024-26), includes key actions which will drive community investment, increase collaboration, raise awareness and support change through effective campaigns and messaging. Equality Impact Assessments
You can view the Equality Impact Assessment and other impact assessment links here:
Equality Impact Assessments
You can view the Equality Impact Assessment and other impact assessment links here:
A public consultation on our Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls and foundational Action Plan took place between 4 July 2023 to 3 October 2023. The purpose of this consultation was to seek views on the draft Strategic Framework and foundational Action Plan.
You can also find our Consultation Summary Report, which provides analysis of responses, by clicking the image on the right.
Research Publications
During 2022, two reports were commissioned by the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Directorate in The Executive Office (TEO), which focused on women and girls experience of violence across Northern Ireland. Please find both research reports posted below.
‘It’s Just What Happens’ Girls and Young Women’s Views and Experiences of Violence in Northern Ireland
Research led by Dr Siobhan McAlister Prof. Dirk Schubotz and Dr Michelle Templeton from Queen’s University Belfast, and Dr Gail Neill Ulster University
Every Voice Matters! Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland
Research led by Dr Susan Lagdon, Prof. Dr Marcin Owczarek, Dr Ngozi Anyadike-Danes and Prof. Mark Shevlin, Ulster University, and Dr Claire McCartan and Julie-Ann Jordan from the IMPACT Research Centre.
The Bystander Approach conference took place on Tuesday, 28 June 2022 at Parliament Buildings in the Stormont Estate. The Hybrid event was well attended with nearly 300 people both in person and online.
