Council Supports ‘Stand Up. Speak Out. Be the Change.’ Campaign

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council working in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the Southern and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust are supporting a new ‘Stand Up. Speak Out. Be the Change’ campaign across our social media channels.

Through the creation of a series of short videos, the campaign vividly portrays the impact of men’s inappropriate behaviour towards women, highlighting that what some people dismiss as ‘banter’ can be deeply unsettling and frightening. It urges men to stand up and speak out when they witness harassment, challenging sexism and misogyny to help create a safer environment for women and girls.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “Working in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the Southern and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust the Council fully supports this campaign and is committed to creating an environment across our district where women and girls feel safe and respected and as a Council, we also support the call to reduce violence against women and girls.

Cllr Byrne continued, “I urge everyone to stand up, to speak out, and be the change needed to end violence against women and girls."

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy said, “This campaign aims to show men in our society that this sort of behaviour is not just ‘banter’ and, in fact, can be terrifying for women on the receiving end of it.

Cllr Duffy continued, “We need men to challenge their friends or colleagues who carry out this behaviour, to call them out and to tell them it is inappropriate. Men’s attitudes towards women needs to change and through this campaign we are strongly encouraging men to play a positive role, to help women and girls feel safer.”

For women or girls who have been subject to this type of behaviour, are feeling vulnerable, threatened or uncomfortable, support and help are available.

Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline: 0808 802 1414 (A caring, confidential service 24/7, 365 days a year.)

Women’s Aid NI - 028 3025 0765.