Elaine Crory from the Women’s Resource and Development Agency presented a report to the Justice Committee at Stormont. The report, titled 'The Role of Firearms in Violence Against Women and Girls in Northern Ireland,' seeks firearms licensing changes to match UK standards.

Thirty women have died in Northern Ireland since 2020. Seven deaths occurred after the Stormont Executive started its violence against women and girls strategy in 2024.

Northern Ireland has 53,000 active firearms licences for over 100,000 firearms. Ninety-seven percent of owners are men. Paramilitary activity and crime mean an unknown number of additional firearms circulate.

Crory stated that men's coercive control worsens with a firearm present in domestic abuse cases. Current licensing checks fitness, physical and mental health, and criminal records but skips reports of domestic abuse by partners or household members.

Proposed measures include two referees for applicants, full disclosure of convictions and domestic abuse reports, and full cost recovery fees to raise licence and renewal prices.

DUP MLA Paul Frew, Justice Committee chairman from North Antrim, expressed concerns. He noted police promptly seize firearms on public reports via Crimestoppers, 999, or 101. Frew called the existing system robust, citing rural users' attachment to guns for sport.

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone cautioned against messages demonising lawful firearms holders, who follow rules to protect their sports. Crory clarified no intent to demonise, as most holders commit no harm. She pointed to loopholes letting abusers acquire legal firearms for long-term control.