"I thought he was going to kill me": PSNI launch new action plan to tackle violence against women and girls

On Tuesday, the PSNI launched the first Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) action plan.

The action plan is focused on prevention, early intervention, partnership working and enhanced support for victims.

It is aligned with the UK National Strategy under three key pillars:

1. Building trust and confidence in policing to tackling violence against women and girls.

2. Relentlessly pursuing perpetrators of violence and supporting victims.

3. Creating safer spaces for women and girls.

The police force said that women and girls are in Northern Ireland are disproportionately affected by violence, abuse and intimidation.

From April 2021 to March 2022, in Northern Ireland, they made up 78% of all victims of sexual crimes, 68% of domestic abuse, 64% of harassment and as of April 2022, 95% of stalking crimes.

Between 2017 and 2021, 34 women and girls across Northern Ireland were killed by men.

National Police Coordinator for Violence against Women and Girls, deputy chief constable Maggie Blyth, said: "Violence against women and girls is a shameful stain on society.

"Too often women and girls do not feel safe at work, home, on the streets or online and perpetrators are the cause.

"I welcome the Police Service of Northern Ireland's action plan which demonstrates their commitment to relentlessly pursue perpetrators, ensure women and girls are given safe routes to report and get support, and root out toxic misogyny in our own ranks and in society.

"Police are increasing the use of unique powers to bring perpetrators to justice, monitor offenders and disrupt their vile activities.

"Each action plan written is another crucial step towards achieving our mission to turn the tables so violent men feel under threat, and not women and girls."

Our reporter James Gould, spoke with domestic abuse survivors Stacey and Jenny.

Watch the interviews below.