First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly launched the second Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan for 2026-2028. The event included people with lived experience and stakeholders from government, partner organisations and society.

O’Neill described the plan as a step to improve responses to violence against women and girls. She noted that such violence presents a major societal challenge that has caused deaths and grief for families. O’Neill stated that greater awareness has emerged since the 2024 Strategic Framework and that the new plan advances ongoing efforts. She called for action from government, communities and society to promote prevention and ensure safety for women and girls.

Little-Pengelly affirmed that ending violence against women and girls remains a priority since taking office. She reported that thirty women have died in Northern Ireland since 2020. Little-Pengelly stressed addressing root causes through prevention to halt violence before it occurs. She said the plan extends existing work via collaboration and urged all to contribute to change so women and girls can live safely.