Alliance MLA John Blair has welcomed the launch of a PSNI strategy aimed at reducing violence against women and girls.

Between 2017 and 2021, 34 women and girls across Northern Ireland were killed by men. Policing Board member Mr Blair said more needed done to tackle the issue.

“To end male violence against women across these islands, we have to face up to the magnitude of the threat, and recognise it stems from the inequality and power imbalance between men and women in society,” he said.

“This formal action plan will help establish a society where women are safe and free. Building trust and confidence in policing is a key theme, which includes a review of vetting processes. It should also be welcomed the provision of safe spaces is a fundamental in this strategy.

“All public bodies, not police alone, have a crucial role to play here. Women are entitled to feel safe in every space, public and private, but particularly at home. The horrifying statistic shows there is a report of domestic abuse every 16 minutes in Northern Ireland and 34 women have died as a result of a violent attack between 2017 – 2021.

“Policing is part of the solution, and the violence against women and girls strategy is vital. It is now crucial a renewed Executive violence against women and girls strategy is brought forward for the next seven years. I am pleased the Department for Justice and Department of Health are already working on this.”