Green Party Councillor Lauren Kendall, Holywood and Clandeboye, has condemned the Minister for the Economy and the Executive for failing to implement Safe Leave.

“Despite repeated promises and overwhelming evidence of need, Safe Leave legislation that would provide paid leave for victims of domestic abuse remains unenacted,” she said.

She added: “How can it take years to deliver just 10 days safe leave? Every delay is a betrayal of victims and survivors. Every single day this is stalled, people are left without the vital support they were promised.”

The Executive’s own Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024–2031 pledges to do all that we can to protect victims and ensure timely, responsive support.

Kendall said this failure blows a hole in that promise. “If this is the Executive ‘doing all they can’, it is very worrying. Every pillar in that Strategy is undermined. They are failing victims, survivors and families. Safe Leave is not a luxury. It is a vital lifeline.”

She highlighted the ongoing work of charities, support organisations and trade unions. “While the Executive fails to lead, charities and unions have stepped up. Like my Green Party colleague Rachel Woods who delivered the Bill, they stand with victims and survivors, working and campaigning tirelessly to ensure Safe Leave becomes a reality. Their advocacy is the commitment the Executive claims to champion but is failing to deliver.”

Her criticism comes during the Global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and as Women’s Aid Federation NI publishes stark 2024/25 figures:
- 523 women and 364 children stayed in emergency refuge accommodation;
- 5,810 women were supported in the community;
- 304 pregnant women sought help, a 14% rise; and
- 8,393 referrals were made to Women’s Aid services.

Kendall said: “The devastating reality is that home is not a safe place for many, yet the Executive cannot implement vital protections. This is another example in a long list of failures to deliver essential legislation that could protect people and save lives.”

She concluded: “The Executive’s consistent inaction is inexcusable. They have had years to implement Safe Leave and still victims and survivors wait. It is negligence. If they truly believe in protecting victims, they must stop hiding behind excuses and deliver this now. Anything less is a failure of duty to those most at risk.”