PSNI Failing to Protect Women and Girls, Says Peter Irvine
“The PSNI is failing to keep women and girls safe” states Aontú Representative Peter Irvine.
The Collin Representative for Aontú stated, “The recent high-profile reports of acts of sexual violence in West Belfast, including that of the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl on the Upper Suffolk Road, an assault on another girl in the Lagmore area, and the attempted abduction of a child on the Suffolk Road a few nights later have shaken the community. There is no place for such vile acts anywhere in Ireland. We must stand united in ensuring that every child in our city is safe and that the epidemic of violence against women and girls will come to an end. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, who deserve swift justice.”
Mr. Irvine continued, “Unfortunately, the PSNI’s response to these incidents has been grossly inadequate. A mother was forced to conduct her own investigation after receiving no response from the police, even after contacting them 33 times. The PSNI’s failure to act for nearly a week is a clear indication that they are not prioritising the safety of our communities, which is simply unacceptable.”
Speaking about the general feeling within the community, the Belfast Aontú Representative explained, “The frustration and anger within the community are entirely justified when those who claim to be ensuring public safety fail to act. When people are left feeling abandoned by the police, communities are left to fend for themselves. The Police Ombudsman must conduct a thorough investigation to ensure accountability for this gross negligence.”
Mr. Irvine also highlighted that “Violence against women across the North of Ireland has been happening on an alarming scale, over 33,000 cases of domestic violence were reported last year, the majority involving women as victims. In addition, three women were tragically murdered over the past 6 weeks, underscoring the severity of the crisis.”
Mr. Irvine concluded, “Belfast deserves better. We need an effective and responsive policing system that puts the safety of our people first, which is something that the PSNI has time and time again demonstrated that it will not deliver. We will continue to press for real change so that the people all across the Six Counties can feel safe.”
ENDS
Statement originally issued while serving as an Aontú representative.
