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  • Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

    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.

    Background

    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.

    Ending 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:

    • Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategic Framework - Easy read version.

    First Delivery Plan

    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:

    • Human rights Act Impact assessment
    • Child Rights Impact assessment CRIA
    • Windsor Framework – Article 2(1) Impact Assessment
    • Rural Needs Impact Assessment
    • Equality Screening Proposed Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls
    • Equality Impact Assessment EVAWG

    Public Consultation - Completed

    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.

    Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Local Change Fund

    The Local Change Fund will support community networks and provide opportunities for grassroots organisations to play their part in preventing violence, harm and abuse against women and girls.

    The links below will direct you to the Local Change Fund in your area, when it is open for application:

    • Antrim and Newtownabbey – Local Change Fund Application Closed
    • Ards and North Down – Local Change Fund Application Closed
    • Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon – Local Change Fund Application Closed
    • Belfast – Local Change Fund Application Closed
    • Causeway Coast & Glens– Local Change Fund Application Closed and an announcement in May 25
    • Derry City and Strabane – Local Change Fund Application Closed
    • Fermanagh and Omagh – Local Change Fund Application Closed
    • Lisburn and Castlereagh – Local Change Fund Application Closed
    • Mid & East Antrim - Open
    • Mid Ulster - Open
    • Newry, Mourne and Down – Local Change Fund Application Closed

    Additional Council links will be added to the list above once they are open for applications.

    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 Publications: It’s Just What Happens’
    Research Publications: 'It’s Just What Happens’

    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 Publications: Every Voice Matters!
    Research Publications: Every Voice Matters!

    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.

    contents

    Bystander Approach Conference

    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.

    End Violence Against Women and Girls - Change Fund

    The Local Change Fund will support community networks and provide opportunities for grassroots organisations to play their part in preventing violence, harm and abuse against women and girls.

    Related to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

    Most recent publications

    • Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and Attitudes of 16 year olds in Northern Ireland in 2024

      Published 13 March 2025
    • Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and Attitudes of 16 year olds in Northern Ireland in 2023

      Published 16 November 2023
    See all publications in this topic

    Most recent consultations

    • Consultation on a Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls and Foundational Action Plan.

      Published 4 July 2023 Consultation closed
    See all consultations in this topic

    Most recent news items

    • Ministers announce £1.2m Regional Change Fund for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

      Published 21 January 2025
    • Junior Ministers meet innovators seeking to provide solutions to help tackle violence against women and girls

      Published 28 November 2024
    See all news in this topic

    Access to information

    How to request information from the Executive Office including Freedom of Information (FOI) and the use of our Publication Scheme.

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