Confronting violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Northern Ireland

The most recent case of femicide brought the total number of women killed in Northern Ireland since 2020 to twenty-eight, with all but one being killed by a man. Unfortunately, these tragic figures reflect a much deeper issue within the country, where in a recent study 98% of women reported to have experienced at least one form of violence, digital and psychological abuse or harassment within their lifetime.

Undoubtedly, Northern Ireland’s troubled past has contributed to a normalised culture of violence which plays out behind closed doors. Experts have cited a high figure of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) throughout The Troubles and the continued role of paramilitaries in legitimising violence as contributors to widespread moral apathy toward VAWG. In the face of this deep-rooted culture of violence, how can we confront VAWG with hope and transformation? 

Sponsored

One starting point is to examine the beliefs that should shape our behaviours and attitudes. For many in Northern Ireland, faith continues to play a significant role in defining relational values.

The Bible presents a vision of human relationships rooted in dignity, in which men and women were created equal and in the likeness of God, and so any culture of violence or abuse is a harmful distortion of God’s intention for relationships. Where instances of violence against women are recorded in the Bible, they are fundamentally understood as evil and with harmful consequences.

Likewise, in the New Testament, Jesus himself intervened to prevent male violence against the adulterous women where it would have been permissible under Jewish law. His radical vision of equality, respect and peace between men and women is one which must be at the centre of any solution.

Here are three ways you can help challenge violence against women and girls:

1. Raise awareness of the relevant strategies and legislation.

Stormont’s seven-year strategic framework seeks to challenge attitudes and behaviours around VAWG through awareness campaigns and partnerships that promote healthy, age-appropriate relationships. In September 2022, the PSNI launched its first Tackling Violence against Women and Girls Action Plan, focused on building trust, pursuing perpetrators and supporting victims. Three years on, over 5,000 arrests have been made under new domestic abuse, non-fatal strangulation and stalking legislation. These efforts can be strengthened through public engagement, support for continued funding, and the adoption of anti-VAWG policies in schools and workplaces.

2. Support organisations that work with survivors and make your church a safer space.

Churches are not immune to abuse, and some women and girls in our congregations may be suffering in silence. Churches must not only care well for survivors but also have clear pastoral and safeguarding procedures, creating safe environments where disclosure is possible.

Recently, colleagues from our London office attended the 15^th anniversary of Restored, a Christian charity working to end VAWG and equip churches to respond well to abuse. Through training and its Restored Beacons network, churches are supported to become safe refuges for survivors, walking with them on the journey to recovery.

The image of a beacon reflects Jesus’ words in Matthew 5, “…a light set on a hill cannot be hidden.” In a world marked by violence and abuse, the church is called to be a visible refuge, guided by Christ’s example of justice, humility and compassion.

3. Engage meaningfully with the Lost Boys of Northern Ireland.

To tackle violence against women and girls, it is essential to engage men and boys. Research by the Centre for Social Justice highlights how ​“lost boys” are increasingly exposed to harmful views of relationships through extreme pornography, fractured family environments and a lack of positive guidance, leaving some vulnerable to perpetrating VAWG.

Addressing this requires a coordinated response to provide purpose, support and positive models of masculinity. Schools, youth organisations, churches and community groups can offer mentorship and open conversations about masculinity, while individuals can reach out to disengaged young men and challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours.

Looking forward

The figures are stark and reveal that Northern Ireland has a serious problem with violence against women and girls. We commend the work of public bodies, charities and faith groups in responding to violence, supporting survivors and challenging unhelpful conceptions of masculinity which so often drive such cases.

We call for a co-ordinated societal response to VAWG in schools, workplaces and at home so that every woman and girl can thrive without the fear or threat of violence.