01/12/2025
Executive Condemned Over Failure to Deliver Safe Leave
Green Party Councillor Lauren Kendall (Holywood and Clandeboye) has issued a strong condemnation against the Executive and the Minister for the Economy, stating they have failed to implement crucial Safe Leave legislation. The proposed law would provide paid leave for victims of domestic abuse.
Councillor Kendall said the failure to enact the legislation, despite repeated promises and overwhelming evidence, "blows a hole" in the Executive's own Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024–2031, which pledges to protect victims and ensure timely support.
"How can it take years to deliver just 10 days safe leave? Every delay is a betrayal of victims and survivors," she stated. "If this is the Executive 'doing all they can', it is very worrying. Every pillar in that Strategy is undermined."
The criticism comes during the Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and as Women's Aid Federation NI publishes its stark figures for 2024/25, highlighting the critical need for support:
• 523 women and 364 children stayed in emergency refuge accommodation.
• 5,810 women were supported in the community.
• 304 pregnant women sought help, marking a 14% rise.
• 8,393 referrals were made to Women's Aid services.
Kendall noted that while the Executive fails to lead, charities, support organisations, and trade unions—including her Green Party colleague Rachel Woods, who delivered the Bill—have "stepped up" and are campaigning tirelessly for the legislation.
She concluded that the Executive's consistent inaction is "inexcusable," stating that victims and survivors have waited years. "If they truly believe in protecting victims, they must stop hiding behind excuses and deliver this now. Anything less is a failure of duty to those most at risk."
Councillor Kendall said the failure to enact the legislation, despite repeated promises and overwhelming evidence, "blows a hole" in the Executive's own Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024–2031, which pledges to protect victims and ensure timely support.
"How can it take years to deliver just 10 days safe leave? Every delay is a betrayal of victims and survivors," she stated. "If this is the Executive 'doing all they can', it is very worrying. Every pillar in that Strategy is undermined."
• 523 women and 364 children stayed in emergency refuge accommodation.
• 5,810 women were supported in the community.
• 304 pregnant women sought help, marking a 14% rise.
• 8,393 referrals were made to Women's Aid services.
Kendall noted that while the Executive fails to lead, charities, support organisations, and trade unions—including her Green Party colleague Rachel Woods, who delivered the Bill—have "stepped up" and are campaigning tirelessly for the legislation.
She concluded that the Executive's consistent inaction is "inexcusable," stating that victims and survivors have waited years. "If they truly believe in protecting victims, they must stop hiding behind excuses and deliver this now. Anything less is a failure of duty to those most at risk."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 May 2018
Housing Executive Urged To Clarify Tower Block Proposals
Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has written to the Chief Executive of the Housing Executive Board seeking clarity on their plans for Tower Blocks in north Belfast. The North Belfast MLA said: "There are 33 Tower blocks across the north, seven of which are in the New Lodge area of North Belfast.
Housing Executive Urged To Clarify Tower Block Proposals
Sinn Féin Housing Spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín has written to the Chief Executive of the Housing Executive Board seeking clarity on their plans for Tower Blocks in north Belfast. The North Belfast MLA said: "There are 33 Tower blocks across the north, seven of which are in the New Lodge area of North Belfast.
03 December 2025
Executive Reaffirms Commitment To Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
The Northern Ireland Executive has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling all forms of gender-based violence, abuse, and harm as part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
Executive Reaffirms Commitment To Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
The Northern Ireland Executive has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling all forms of gender-based violence, abuse, and harm as part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
07 August 2008
£36m For Victims' Strategy
Members of the Northern Ireland Executive have unveiled plans for a £36million victims' money pot, set aside to deal with the needs brought forward by sufferers of the Troubles. The strategy has outlined a blueprint of how those sitting around the Executive table hope to deal with the sensitive issue of victims.
£36m For Victims' Strategy
Members of the Northern Ireland Executive have unveiled plans for a £36million victims' money pot, set aside to deal with the needs brought forward by sufferers of the Troubles. The strategy has outlined a blueprint of how those sitting around the Executive table hope to deal with the sensitive issue of victims.
03 October 2024
Executive Approves New Victims And Survivors Strategy
A new strategy for victims and survivors of the Troubles/Conflict has been announced by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
Executive Approves New Victims And Survivors Strategy
A new strategy for victims and survivors of the Troubles/Conflict has been announced by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
19 April 2024
Executive Urged To Take Action For Victims And Survivors
Victims and survivors of the Troubles are at risk of being left behind without urgent action from the Executive Office. The Alliance Party has raised the issue following what it described as a "constructive meeting" with the Victims and Survivors Service.
Executive Urged To Take Action For Victims And Survivors
Victims and survivors of the Troubles are at risk of being left behind without urgent action from the Executive Office. The Alliance Party has raised the issue following what it described as a "constructive meeting" with the Victims and Survivors Service.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.