Debate contribution: Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Jeffrey Donaldson
Debate contribution by Ms Michelle O'Neill on .
- MLA
- Ms Michelle O'Neill
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 19 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Jeffrey Donaldson
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5795719
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Yes. In continuation of my response to the previous question, I say that tackling violence against women and girls right across our society is an area that the Executive have rightly focused on. In answer to the Member's question, first, I express my solidarity with the victims of Jeffrey Donaldson. We are all in awe of their extraordinary courage, which brought their predatory abuser to justice and put him behind bars where he belongs. However, no sentence can undo the horrific abuse and suffering that they have endured. I hope that they can now find some peace in knowing that he has been brought to justice. The case is a stark reminder to us all that predators and abusers can be found in every walk of life, including in the highest positions of power, no matter where they are. We also know that far too many women and children suffer abuse, often in silence because they are afraid to come forward, and that has to change. That is why, in the Executive Office and across the Executive as a whole, we put so much importance on tackling violence against women and girls. We need to make sure that victims are protected and have the confidence to speak out and that those who are responsible are brought to justice. There cannot be any hiding place for any of the abusers.
229 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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