A lobbyist from the Women’s Resource and Development Agency presented a report to the Northern Ireland Justice Committee calling for tighter firearms licensing to curb violence against women and girls.

Elaine Crory stated that male coercive control worsens when firearms are present in the home. She noted 30 women killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, including seven since the Stormont Executive's 2024 strategy launch.

The report proposes aligning Northern Ireland rules with UK standards: applicants must supply two referees, disclose all convictions and domestic abuse reports involving partners, and pay full-cost recovery fees that raise licence expenses.

Northern Ireland has 53,000 active licences for over 100,000 firearms, with 97% held by men. An unknown number of guns circulate due to paramilitary and criminal activity, Ms Crory told MLAs.

DUP MLA Paul Frew, Justice Committee chair, expressed reservations from his North Antrim perspective. He said police swiftly seize firearms on public reports via Crimestoppers, 999 or 101, deeming the system robust.

SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone cautioned against messaging that targets lawful gun owners, who often follow rules to protect their sports. Ms Crory replied that her work targets loopholes allowing abusers to acquire weapons legally for long-term control.

Sinn Fein MLA Emma Sheerin attributed femicide to misogyny and queried post-conflict violence effects. Ms Crory cited limited resources for deeper study.