THE PSNI is to launch an action plan early next year on how to address male violence and intimidation against women and girls.
The move comes amid the publication of a new UK framework on the action required from every police force in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard in London in March by a serving officer.
Under the framework, set out by the National Police Chief’s Council and the College of Policing, men who pose the highest risk of violence to women and girls are to be targeted.
If officers retire after being found guilty of gross misconduct, policing chiefs will be urged to strip them of their pensions where possible.
The PSNI said it had begun work on its own action plan in the summer.
Detective Chief Superintendent Anthony McNally, who is responsible for developing the PSNI's plan, welcomed the new framework, saying it "provides clear consistent expectations for all police forces".
"I want to make assurances that in Northern Ireland we are echoing, in our own action plan, the commitment to focussing on tackling misogynistic, sexist attitudes that we know can escalate and ultimately disrupting male offenders who seek to harm women and girls in our society," he said.
The action plan for Northern Ireland will focus on prevention, early intervention and enhanced support for victims.
The plan will look at working practices and culture with the PSNI.
An independent advisory group is being set up to explore women's experiences of male violence and intimidation against women and girls.
"A key part of developing the action plan is an extensive programme of engagement with advocacy groups, service providers, and women and girls themselves across Northern Ireland and we thank everyone who has been a critical friend at this time and provided us with invaluable feedback and guidance," Mr NcNally said.
"Those with the lived experiences, expertise and knowledge are helping us ensure our action plan contains the right themes and actions to make real and meaningful progress and garner confidence in our approach."
The national police coordinator for violence against women and girls, Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, acknowledged that recent cases in England had badly damaged women's trust in police.
"This year has been a watershed moment for society and policing in how much more needs to be done to radically reduce violence against women and girls," she said.
"Our legitimacy has been deeply damaged by Sarah Everard's murder by a serving police officer, the abhorrent and inappropriate behaviour of officers photographing and sharing images of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman's dead bodies, and other examples of police officers abusing their position for sexual gain.
"In policing, we are determined to seize this moment to make fundamental and long-lasting change."
