Motion: Ending Violence against Women and Girls Charter

Fermanagh and Omagh District council recognises that violence against women and girls remains one of the most significant challenges facing our society.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council further recognises:

The negative and often devastating impact domestic violence has on individuals, families, communities, public services and the economy.

The continual work undertaken by FODC through our own initiatives as well as the Executive Office’s Strategic Framework and Action Plan.

The valuable contribution of all statutory, community and voluntary sector working to address EVAWG.

That as the largest rural council district in the north, this brings additional issues, but with no additional financial support.

The additional issues that being a border region also brings.

Therefore, this council agrees to:

The development of a Fermanagh and Omagh Council Charter for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

Continue to work in partnership with other key stakeholders and those with lived experiences.

Continue the work ongoing with the PCSP, Fermanagh and Omagh Women’s Aid and other stakeholders.

Ensure that all relevant Council decisions are tested to ensure compliance with our EVAWG Strategy, action plan and Charter.

Clearly outline respective roles and responsibilities for Council and other partner agencies.

Make a Council commitment to work actively to continue to raise awareness about EVAWG and our intention to do all in the Council’s power, to aid wider societal efforts which seek to eradicate EVAWG.

Provide adequate training for staff and to provide EVAWG training for Councillors prior to the end of the current mandate.

Incorporate EVAWG training as part of the new induction programme with a view to encouraging all 40 councillors to participate.