Fermanagh Women’s Aid has cautioned that everyone in society has “a role to play in ending violence against women” as the Northern Ireland Executive recently launched the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.

Fermanagh Women's Aid welcomed the long-awaited publication of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy which has come to fruition after years of campaigning by Women’s Aid across Northern Ireland.

Kerrie Flood, the Interim CEO of Fermanagh Women’s Aid said: “Women accessing Women's Aid services were consulted in its development. The Executive Office have centered the voices of survivors throughout the Strategy and laid out a clear delivery plan.”

She did however emphasise the limited resources present in Fermanagh: “We would emphasize the limited resources across the voluntary sector, particularly in Fermanagh Women's Aid as the only service provider in the county and would welcome a commitment to investment in line with the delivery plan.”

Welcoming the strategy, Ms. Flood called for “society-wide action” in tackling violence against women and girls.

She said: “It is also important to note that this cross Departmental Strategy calls for society-wide action with specific mention of the role of men and boys in tackling the harmful attitudes within which Domestic Abuse can thrive as well as improvements in the Justice System to build confidence for victims, survivors and witnesses. We all have a role to play in ending violence against women.”

The Executive earlier this month launched a Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: "Violence against women and girls must stop.”

Discussing the strategy, she said: "It was written based on the voices and views of those with lived experience and the expertise of those with many years of experience in this area. Their knowledge and experience has been crucial in helping us develop this strategy and we want to thank them for their commitment and support.

“The Delivery Plan will support those organisations working to prevent and challenge the attitudes, behaviours and culture that can lead to violence against women and girls. It will deliver real change for those who suffer harm and abuse across our society every day."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “Enough is enough. Violence against women and girls is a cancer on society and must end. We need to act now. When we took up office we said ending violence against women and girls was a priority and this launch reflects our commitment to tackling this important issue.

“The main focus of this strategy is on prevention. We recognise that tackling the underlying causes of violence, abuse and harm towards women and girls and stopping it before it starts is vital.

“We also want to support delivery of high-quality services that address the needs of women and girls who are victims and survivors and help prevent further violence from taking place.”