The Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA) is deeply saddened and concerned by the recent events in Ballymena, where the sexual assault of a teenage girl has been hijacked to push a racist agenda instead of fighting violence against women and girls.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with the survivor and her family during this profoundly difficult time. Navigating the trauma of such an incident, coupled with the challenges of engaging with the criminal justice system, is an immense burden for any survivor, especially one so young. The family’s call for a peaceful vigil should have been an opportunity to highlight the epidemic of violence against women and girls and provide a moment to unite as a community and confront this pervasive issue.

Instead, the vigil was hijacked by those whose actions were rooted in racism and intent on harm. This has resulted in devastation for families and communities, with a particular and unjust impact on ethnic minority families, many of whom have now left Ballymena or are living in fear. Their violence has done nothing to help the survivor, her family, or ending violence against women and girls.  Due to the actions of the rioters the conversation is no longer one about violence against women and girls but about their violence.

Racism exacerbates the harm already inflicted by gender-based violence and detracts from the collective action needed to combat it. We must reject division and prejudice, instead working together to create a society that champions inclusion, equality, and safety for all.

Outrage at the harm suffered by the young survivor is natural and necessary, but it must be channelled constructively. We call for calm, compassion, and unity in the pursuit of justice. WRDA commits to continuing our work with partners across the community and voluntary sector, statutory agencies and wider society to end violence against women and girls, address systemic inequality, and build a future free from racism and discrimination.

In this critical moment, let us come together to address the culture that makes these incidents so common, tackle prejudice and racism, and redouble our efforts to achieve the goal of ending violence against women and girls.

— Women’s Resource and Development Agency

This statement was informed by the statements issued by our project Raise Your Voice, and NICVA.