Ms Eastwood said: “Northern Ireland is one of the most dangerous places in Europe to be a woman. Every life lost to gender-based violence is one too many, but the rate of cases we’ve seen here, even in just the last few weeks and months, is harrowing. In order to truly tackle this kind of violence, however, we must look upstream and recognise the behaviour that often precedes it."

 

"Violence against women and girls is increasingly prevalent on social media and online platforms, where frightening behavior, sexual violence, and the demeaning of women are normalised. This disturbing trend includes the radicalisation and grooming of young men and women online. The case of Alexander McCartney highlights the severe impact of this abuse, which often carries over into real life.

 

"Whilst some aspects of ending of violence against women and girls may be devolved to Northern Ireland, human rights are not, and the government must now urgently address the issue of violence against women and girls on a UK-wide basis, particularly given that social media regulation is a matter reserved to Westminster. 

 

"Every life lost is a tragedy, and we must reject the narrative that these deaths are inevitable; they are preventable. With commitment from the government, we can end this unacceptable violence.

 

“This is an issue that’s incredibly close to my heart, and it’s something I unfortunately have very personal experience with. I’m proud to be able to use my platform to champion the protection of women and girls locally in my own constituency of Lagan Valley alongside fantastic organisations like Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid. Also, of all the work undertaken by my party colleague Naomi Long MLA in her remit as Justice Minister."