Ms Bunting tabled an Urgent Question to the Justice Minister in the Assembly today following the murder of four women across Northern Ireland in the last six weeks. Her question came before news of the death of a woman in Donaghadee which is currently being investigated by police.
Speaking afterwards Ms Bunting said,
“Sophie Watson, Montserrat Martorell, Rachel Simpson and Mary Ward have all been murdered within the last six weeks in Northern Ireland. They are not just statistics, but each of them were women whose lives were ended at the hands of someone else and who leave behind family and friends grieving their loss.
The issue of violence against women and indeed domestic abuse cannot be ignored and whilst strategies are both useful and necessary as they provide a long-term framework and policy intent, actions speak more loudly and it is practical measures which are needed as a matter of urgency.
It is important that the Justice Minister outlines and implements quickly a range of practical measures which can help people who are in and to escape from abusive relationships. We must do everything possible before any more lives are lost.”