To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister for an update on her Department’s Safer Socialising working group to tackle violence against women and girls.

The Safer Socialising Steering Group was established under Action 8 of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Delivery Plan (2024-2026). The group represents a broad cross section of stakeholders working together to improve safety for women and girls when socialising.

We are committed to supporting and amplifying the work of partner organisations aligned in delivering EVAWG outcomes. The Safer Socialising Steering Group (SSSG) is one mechanism through which we are working to improve coordination and collaboration. In recognition of this and of the importance of safe transportation in supporting the aims of the SSSG, we committed to providing £92,300 as part of a collaborative funding model to support the delivery of a pilot late night bus service in Belfast.

The cross sectoral group continues to work together to share expertise, align priorities and develop proposals to ensure women and girls feel safe and are safe everywhere, while socialising.