PSNI Chief Voices Alarm Over Rising Violence Against Women and Girls
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is facing significant challenges in addressing the escalating issue of violence against women and girls, according to Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. Speaking before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Mr. Boutcher expressed “significant concerns” over the force’s capacity to cope with the increasing number of cases.
A Troubling Trend: Statistics and Recent Cases
The concerns come amidst a backdrop of tragic incidents. Recent cases highlighted during the committee hearing included the murder of young mother Amy Doherty in Derry, and the conviction of Stephen McCullagh for the murder of his pregnant partner, Natalie McNally in Lurgan. Committee chairwoman Tonia Antoniazzi revealed that 30 women have died violently in Northern Ireland since 2020.
Although some reports suggest Northern Ireland has a disproportionately high rate of violence against women, Mr. Boutcher cautioned against relying on outdated data. He pointed to a 2017 BBC article citing Eurostat figures that incorrectly compared Northern Ireland’s homicide rates to Romania. He clarified that the original data was flawed, and more recent analysis places Northern Ireland’s rate within the middle range of European countries.
The Rise of Misogyny and Online Influences
Beyond the statistics, Chief Constable Boutcher identified a disturbing societal shift. He stated there is an “acceptance around misogyny the like of which I have not seen.” He specifically referenced the potential influence of online figures like Andrew Tate, suggesting they may be contributing to harmful attitudes and behaviors among young men and boys.
“I don’t know if This represents Northern Ireland specific…but there seems to be an acceptance around misogyny the like of which I have not seen,” Boutcher told MPs.
Capacity Concerns and Resource Limitations
The PSNI’s ability to effectively investigate and prosecute these crimes is also under strain. Mr. Boutcher acknowledged concerns about the force’s capacity, particularly in dealing with complex cases like that of Alexander McCartney, a prolific online abuser sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2024. A report from the Police Ombudsman indicated the PSNI lacked “sufficient resources” to tackle such cases.
Claire Hanna, leader of the SDLP, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that Northern Ireland’s femicide rate is almost twice that of the Republic of Ireland. She questioned whether the PSNI has the necessary resources to bring perpetrators to justice.
Internal Review and Cultural Audit
In response to these challenges, the PSNI has undertaken a cultural audit to identify and address potentially harmful behaviors within the organization. This review focuses on ensuring the force is equipped to handle incidents of violence against women and girls effectively and with sensitivity.
Future Trends and Challenges
The PSNI’s concerns highlight a broader trend of increasing violence against women and girls, coupled with the challenges of addressing the underlying societal factors that contribute to it. The rise of online misogyny and the potential for radicalization through online platforms pose recent and complex challenges for law enforcement.
Addressing this issue will require a multi-faceted approach, including increased investment in policing resources, improved data collection and analysis, and proactive efforts to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviors. The PSNI’s internal review is a positive step, but sustained commitment and collaboration with other agencies and community organizations will be crucial to achieving lasting change.
FAQ
Q: How many women have died violently in Northern Ireland since 2020?
A: 30 women have died violently in Northern Ireland since 2020.
Q: What concerns does the PSNI Chief Constable have?
A: Jon Boutcher has “significant concerns” over the PSNI’s capacity to deal with violence against women and girls, and the increasing acceptance of misogyny in society.
Q: Is Northern Ireland’s rate of violence against women higher than elsewhere?
A: While some reports have suggested a higher rate, Chief Constable Boutcher clarified that more recent data places Northern Ireland’s rate within the middle range of European countries.
Q: What is the PSNI doing to address these concerns?
A: The PSNI is undertaking a cultural audit and prioritizing violence against women and girls, commissioning reviews of how the force deals with incidents.
