Senior figures from Northern Ireland's construction sector gathered this week for a pioneering conference focused on practical steps to embed a zero-tolerance approach to violence against women and girls.

Organised by the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) in partnership with WOMEN'STEC and Construction Futures, Building Respect: Laying the Foundations for Change took place at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim, on Thursday 7 May. The event was sponsored by leading contractor Gilbert-Ash.

Northern Ireland has some of the highest levels of domestic abuse and femicide in the UK and Europe, with police recording a domestic abuse incident approximately every 17 minutes.

With women accounting for around 15% of the local construction workforce, businesses were urged to play an active role in challenging abuse, misogyny and harassment.

Speakers included Dr Sajjan Gohel, International Security Director at the Asia-Pacific Foundation, and globally renowned gender-equality advocate Jackson Katz.

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Delegates also heard from Longford Women's Link, which outlined the current domestic violence situation in the Republic of Ireland.

A series of practical workshops was delivered by White Ribbon NI, Women's Aid, the Labour Relations Agency and Lewis Silken.

CEF President, Bryan Vaughan, said: "This is a major problem which society as a whole needs to find ways to resolve. No one sector alone can significantly move the dial on these shameful statistics, but by working together we can make meaningful improvements.

"There is no evidence to suggest the construction industry compares badly to other sectors when it comes to violence against women and girls, but that doesn't mean we don't have a moral obligation to play our part in bringing about change.

"This conference has provided the platform for our industry to start an important conversation and to challenge ourselves."

Gilbert-Ash Managing Director, Ray Hutchinson said his company was proud to support the initiative: "This is a societal problem, but our construction sector is represented right across society, so in many ways we are perfectly placed to start these important conversations and raise awareness.

"As an industry we must also work together as one to amplify the conversation around ending violence against women and girls and to create environments where misogyny is never tolerated."

The event was also backed by a range of industry partners and organisations through workshops, exhibition spaces and awareness resources throughout the day.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, the following organisations can provide help and support.

In an emergency when you need immediate assistance phone the PSNI on 999. In a non-emergency when you need assistance or advice call 101. If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need support or information, you can contact your local Women's Aid group Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Visit womensaidni.org for more information.