Debate contribution: Violence against Women and Girls: Deaths of Amy Doherty and Ellie Flanagan
Debate contribution by Ms Joanne Bunting on .
- MLA
- Ms Joanne Bunting
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 23 March 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Matter of the Day
- Heading
- Violence against Women and Girls: Deaths of Amy Doherty and Ellie Flanagan
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5465160
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I rise in the shadow of the tragedy of two more femicides in Northern Ireland. The murders of Amy Doherty and Ellie Flanagan are devastating reminders that violence against women and girls remains a very real and present danger in our society. Two more lives have been lost, two families have been left grieving, and two communities are asking how this can still be happening. Children will forever bear the scars of being left motherless. As a people, we must not and will not accept that. Saturday saw the murder of Amy Doherty, a young mother of two who was found seriously injured and, sadly, later passed away. Like Ellie, she had her whole life ahead of her, and her young children have been left to grow up without their mum to help, love and guide them through life. My colleague Julie Middleton has indicated that the local community is devastated, shocked and horrified at that terrible loss of life and at how a life was stolen so violently. We are all too aware that violence against women and girls continues to have a devastating impact on many in Northern Ireland and that the damage inflicted can extend far beyond the immediate victim and last for a lifetime. We know that it knows no boundaries, does not recognise class, creed or age, and that we can never really know what is going on behind closed doors. Every woman and girl has the right to live free from fear and harm, particularly in the sanctuary of her own home and when in the company of those who purport to love her. They should be free to walk, exercise or socialise and know that their dignity and safety will be upheld. When that basic right is violated, it is not just an individual tragedy; it is a failure that we must all confront. Those who commit such heinous acts must face the full force of the law, but enforcement alone is not enough. We must also address the culture that allows violence against women and girls to persist. That begins in our homes, our schools and our communities. Respect must be taught early, modelled consistently and reinforced at every level of society, because, although this may be a problem that affects women and girls, the solution has to involve men and boys. I want to acknowledge that they, too, can be impacted and be victims. Numerous sons will have witnessed the domestic abuse of their mother in the home. While the majority of perpetrators are men, there are plenty more men who are allies of women in this fight, and the more that we open their eyes and educate them to these problematic behaviours and mindsets and how they impact their mums, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends, the more they can be in our corner, understanding the issues and safely challenging what is unacceptable before it can escalate. There is great work under way in the community, but we have a long way to go. We must recognise the importance of supporting victims and those at risk and ensure that services are accessible, responsive and properly funded. Victims of domestic abuse and violence must feel confident that, if they speak out, they will receive the help and support that they need.
I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to Ellie and Amy's families.
561 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Assessment
Awaiting analysis
This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.
Disagree with this assessment?
Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.