She said, “Far too many women and girls have experienced violence and harassment due to their sex. This continues for so many, urgent action is needed to increase efforts to tackle and eliminate gender-based violence, harassment, hate and inequality.
Huge numbers of us have personal experience and will relate to much of what is in this report. I welcome the recognition of how widescale and complex the causes are, and that a collaborative whole-society approach is needed to tackle it.
Women and girls are significantly disproportionally likely to experience gender-based violence, abuse and harassment. I therefore welcome this focus, while recognising and including all forms. The DUP has a strong record of driving change in this area, including action against violent pornography, modern slavery, sexual exploitation of women and gender-based violence.
More must be done – including school-based provision on healthy relationships, changes in cultural attitudes and strengthening prevention and range of support for victims.
It is important that you have your say – the consultation has opened today, so make sure your voice is heard.”