Video: ‘Derry in crisis caused by a decade of neglect’ says Martina Anderson as she draws line between violence and poverty

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson said she believed inequality was the root cause of violent crime of all kinds.

Speaking in support of a motion calling on the Minister of Justice Naomi Long and the Minister of Health Robin Swann to bring forward an action plan to reduce violent offending she said Derry was in the midst of a crisis.

She specifically referred to a stark increase in domestic violence incidents in Derry and Strabane last year.

“In 2019, there were over 3,000 incidents of domestic violence - violent crime - in my home town of Derry, making up nearly a third of all reported crimes, and a 21 per cent increase since 2018. Derry is in crisis.

“It is a crisis caused by a decade of neglect and driven by a lack of opportunities for young people, a lack of public services, a lack of quality jobs and a lack of income support.

“I say that because I agree with what was said about statistical evidence showing a link to poverty and economic deprivation and how that has been identified as one of the root causes of violent crime.

“That link makes it even more important that the Executive tackle and address regional inequalities. In doing so, they must deliver resources on the basis of objective need.

“That also includes developing legislation to address the impact of the fear of crime on our elderly population,” said the Sinn Féin MLA.

Ms. Anderson pointed out that nearly half of all violent crimes in Derry involved domestic abuse.

She said: “According to the PSNI, there were 1,519 domestic abuse crimes recorded last year alone. That is four crimes per day; four too many. Domestic violence is not confined to age, gender or sexuality, yet it is absolutely staggering that 67 per cent of victims of domestic violence are females, while 86 per cent of abusers are male.”

Local charities helping survivors of domestic violence in Derry were praised.

“I express my appreciation of local organisations that support victims, such as La Dolce Vita Project and the Men’s Action Network.

“In particular, I commend the work done by Foyle Women’s Aid, which, each year, supports nearly 3,000 women and children who are directly affected by domestic abuse. Last year, domestic abuse incidents increased by six per cent, and we are told that that represented 16 per cent of all crimes recorded in the North.

“It is unfortunate but also welcome that more women are seeking help for domestic abuse, yet there are still countless other victims who are suffering in silence and trapped behind closed doors.”

She urged such individuals to contact organisations like La Dolce Vita and Foyle Women’s Aid.

“Domestic abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual and violent. La Dolce Vita Project in Derry offers one-to-one counselling for those impacted by domestic abuse and has been doing sterling work, highlighting the impact of parental alienation and perpetrators who unfortunately use the courts to further their domestic abuse.”