Statement on the Ballymena riots: Stop the co-option of VAWG

The far-right has long co-opted sexual violence to promote its racist, white supremacist agenda. These are often known misogynists who do nothing to meaningfully improve women and girls’ autonomy, rights and freedoms, and tend to have patriarchal views.

Violence against women and girls is a national epidemic that requires urgent, meaningful action. We will not let the far-right weaponise and distort public concerns about it to further its hateful agenda. Sexual violence is not political fodder.

Our thoughts and solidarity are with the teenage girl subjected to sexual violence and with the migrant and minoritised communities being targeted with racist violence.

ENDS