SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has expressed deep concern following comments made by the PSNI Chief Constable that a lack of police officers is hindering efforts to deal with violence against women and girls.
Ms McLaughlin said: ‘‘The latest comments by the Chief Constable are deeply concerning in our fight to end violence against women and girls.
“The revelation that a lack of police resources is preventing the PSNI from effectively tackling this scourge is shocking, but sadly not surprising. For far too long our efforts have been significantly undermined.
“We are currently facing an epidemic of violence against women and girls with a number of high-profile recent attacks.
“Women and girls across Northern Ireland are feeling increasingly unsafe in their own communities.
“The system which is meant to protect them is being consistently undermined by a lack of funding and political will.
“Having a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to ending violence against women and girl must be a priority.
“We need renewed investment in specialised support services, better funding for refuge services such as Women’s Aid and public education campaigns to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence.
“We cannot afford to wait when lives are at stake.
“The PSNI must be given the resources they need to protect women and girls and carry out all of their duties.
“We as a society must pririotise this issue to ensure that no women suffers in silence and no perpetrator evades justice.”
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