To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister whether their Department has engaged with the UK Government on their upcoming Strategy to End Violence Against Women and Girls, to identify areas for collaboration and sharing of best practice.

Ending violence against women and girls is a global challenge, and we are aware that significant steps are being taken in each of our neighbouring jurisdictions.

EVAWG officials regularly engage with counterparts through the Five Jurisdictions’ Forum, which brings together representatives from the NICS, Home Office, Scottish Government, Welsh Government, and the Government of Ireland. The forum was established to enable officials from each of those jurisdictions to look at national developments and provide the opportunity to share information, particularly regarding lessons learned and best practice.

We also continue to use established structures, such as the British Irish Council, to collaborate on related EVAWG initiatives.