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:
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 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.