Call For More To Be Done To Tackle Domestic Violence

An SDLP MLA is calling for more to be done to tackle the increasing problem of domestic violence in Northern Ireland.

SDLP South Belfast MLA Claire Hanna made the call on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Ms Hanna said: "30% of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence with the number as high as 70% in some countries. But this is a crisis that transcends cultures and crosses borders. Closer to home we have seen a marked increase in domestic abuse which may indicate that more crimes are being reported but still represents an unacceptable level of violence targeted mainly towards women.

"Around the world the UN have done much to raise awareness of the violence that many women suffer daily and have strived to tackle the root causes of the problem and support survivors. Though there is much work to do the UN are making inroads in developing nations around the world with raising public awareness of the problem. We must also rise to the challenge."

(CD)