To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the actions being taken to counter the role of paramilitary groups in exerting coercive surveillance and control over women; and (ii) how statutory agencies are being trained to recognise and respond to such situations.

One of the most challenging facets of paramilitary coercion of women is its hidden nature and the way it isolates people from the support they need. I was heartened to attend the launch of research by Dr Aisling Swayne and Foyle Women’s Aid recently because it details and records publicly women’s experiences of paramilitary sexual violence. Survivor testimony is critical if we are to understand and respond effectively to harms that have been hidden for far too long.

This work along with other research is helping to inform a number of initiatives that are in place which are contributing to addressing the issues you raise, including the Executive’s Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC), for which I am lead Minister. The Programme is active across Northern Ireland to support people and communities who are vulnerable to paramilitary influence and harm, with commitments being delivered collaboratively by Government Departments, statutory agencies and partners in the voluntary and community sector.

Interventions delivered under the EPPOC Programme include those aimed specifically at supporting women in areas most impacted by ongoing paramilitary activity. In addition, EPPOC funds the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF), a tripartite law enforcement agency which investigates the criminality of paramilitary groups. It is also the sole funder of the Safeguarding Board’s project on trauma-informed approaches. This ensures trauma informed approaches and toolkits are rolled out across the public, helping to ensure that all relevant agencies are aware of how trauma manifests and what can be done to address it. This is directly relevant to the issues you raise.

Other strategic initiatives in this area include the Executive’s Strategic Framework to end Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG), which focuses on gender-based violence predominantly affecting women and girls; and the Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy, published by the Departments of Health and Justice (on 25 September) which aims to address all forms of domestic and sexual abuse. The draft Programme for Government also speaks to the importance of addressing these issues.