Safeguarding

Council Launches Hard-Hitting Campaign Challenging the Myths Around Femicide

A new digital and PR campaign to raise awareness about femicide and to challenge the misconceptions of who actually commits these crimes has been launched by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

The campaign highlights a difficult truth - men who kill women do not fit one type or profile. There is no ‘typical’ perpetrator. They are often people we already know - partners, neighbours or trusted members of the community.

Through a series of short films, the campaign challenges the belief that perpetrators are easily identifiable or visibly dangerous.

Northern Ireland continues to see some of the highest levels of violence against women. Since 2020, almost 30 women have been killed by men, underlining the urgent need for awareness, early intervention and cultural change.

Each film concludes with the same powerful message: ‘Men who kill women do not fit a single profile. There is no typical perpetrator.’

Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “I welcome the launch of this important campaign. Violence against women and girls remains a serious and pressing concern across Northern Ireland, and the Council is committed, alongside our partners, to challenging the attitudes that allow it to continue. I would urge residents to engage with this campaign and to be mindful that perpetrators are very often known to their victims, rather than strangers. Awareness of this reality is a vital first step towards prevention."

Speaking about the campaign, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd said, "This campaign highlights an important reality that there is no typical perpetrator of femicide. Femicide is not committed by ‘monsters’ hiding in the shadows - it is most often carried out by ordinary men, in ordinary settings. If we are serious about ending violence against women and girls, we must challenge assumptions, recognise harmful behaviours early and hold perpetrators to account. Ending violence against women and girls requires a collective effort and continuing to raise awareness is an important part of that work."

The campaign forms part of the Council's ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and will run across the Council's digital channels over the coming weeks.

Each video concludes with information on support services and helplines for anyone affected by domestic abuse or violence against women and girls. Both the Health Trusts are ensuring that their teams are on hand to support anyone who needs help or support.

The #MythsAroundFemicide campaign is a collaboration between Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the Southern and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts and with support from The Executive Office.

How to Access Support

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, we want you to know that you are not alone. You will be believed, and you will be heard. We also know that it is not an easy decision to reach out and ask for help.

Domestic violence and abuse affects many people and is now well recognised as a public health issue. Domestic abuse can affect families from all backgrounds in every community, and we know that problems can escalate during holidays.
 
We continue to work in conjunction with partner agencies such as the PSNI and Women’s Aid to ensure that help and support is offered to those who need it. We also team up with Southern Health and Social Care Trust, the South Eastern Health Social Care Trust and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to support people who may be experiencing domestic violence abuse.
 
If things are not okay at home and you are worried, need advice or support, call one of the numbers below and there will be someone to listen to you and provide you with help. 

To talk to someone in confidence or to report a concern, please contact:

• Southern Health and Social Care Trust: 028 37 56 7100 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday)
• South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust: 0300 100 0300 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday)
• Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline 0808 802 1414 (24 hours)
• Adult Safeguarding Helpline: South Eastern Trust 028 92501227 Southern Trust: 02837564423

To report a concern or to speak to someone in confidence: 

In an emergency dial 999

Southern Health and Social Care Trust:
T: 0800 783 7745 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday)

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust:
T: 0300 100 0300 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday)

Emergency Social Work Service (Regional):
T: 028 9504 9999 (5pm-9am Monday to Friday, 24 hours Saturday/Sunday/Bank Holidays)

For further information please visit:

Domestic Abuse | Southern Health & Social Care Trust:
W: https://setrust.hscni.net/service/south-eastern-domestic-violence-partnership/

24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline:
T: 0808 802 1414 (24 hours)

Women's Aid Armagh-Down: 
T: 028 3025 0765 or 028 3839 7979
E: admin@womensaidarmaghdown.org
W: womensaidarmaghdown.org/

Children and Young Peopole's Strategic Partnership (CYPSP)
CYPSP works to improve young lives, including tackling domestic violence. It offers support and many resources that you can access to get the help you need.
W: https://cypsp.hscni.net/youth-wellness-web/

Safeguarding

For further information contact Gary Scott, Safeguarding Coordinator.
E: Gary.Scott@nmandd.org 
T: 07776 165 792

To view our Safeguarding leaflet click here.