Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister to detail any assessment that has been made of the positive role that advanced technology can play in the reporting and prevention of violence against women and girls.
First Minister and deputy First Minister: Advanced technology has the potential to play an important role in both the prevention of violence against women and girls and in improving reporting.
In recognition of this, we have invested £1,125k in the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI). This has supported organisations to use technologically innovative solutions to improve understanding of violence against women and girls and improve the safety of women and girls.
The Executive Office continues to engage with stakeholders including researchers, government departments and partners agencies that are developing tools and solutions in this area. This includes consideration of the emerging ways in which technology can also be misused to perpetrate abuse and the protections required.
This work complements the wider prevention activity delivered through the EVAWG Strategic Framework and Delivery Plans, to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours and help ensure women and girls are safe and feel safe everywhere.
ENDS
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