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08/09/2023
98% Of NI Women Have Experienced Violence In Their Lifetime
Almost 98% of women in Northern Ireland have experienced at least one form of violence or abuse in their lifetime.
A new report, 'Every Voice Matters! Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland', led by Ulster University, also reveals that seven out of 10 of those surveyed had experienced some form of violence or abuse in the last 12 months.
A second report, 'It's Just What Happens: Girls' and Young Women's Views and Experiences of Violence in Northern Ireland' was led by Queen's University Belfast. It found that 73% of girls aged 12-17 reported having experienced at least one form of violence in their lifetime.
Both reports were commissioned by The Executive Office.
Speaking at an event launching both reports today, Head of the Civil Service Jayne Brady said: "These reports shine a light on the extensive nature of violence against women and girls and show too many lives have been blighted.
"They remind us all that the violence, harm and abuse inflicted on women and girls has far reaching repercussions, including significant impact on our men and young boys and that we all have a role to play in bringing about the change that is needed to improve the lives of women and girls in our communities, our workplaces, in our sports clubs, schools, colleges, our streets and in our homes."
The report, 'Every Voice Matters! Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland', was led by Dr Susan Lagdon, from Ulster University with findings of this report based on responses from 542 women. This report also found:
• Half of those (50%) experienced at least one form of violence or abuse before they were 11 years old;
• The worst experience of violence or abuse was most commonly committed by a stranger (29%), however often the perpetrator was known to the victim (romantic partner 23%; friend or acquaintance 19%) and occurred in their own home (26%);
• Overall, only one third (33%) of the participants felt able to speak about, or report, the violent incident that had occurred, with shame and embarrassment found to be the greatest barrier to reporting violent experiences.
As Dr Lagdon explained: "We spoke with and surveyed women from across Northern Ireland to get a better understanding of the violence they face and we are indebted to every woman who has shared their experience, insight and recommendations for the future.
"The research findings demonstrate the extensive nature of violence against women and girls living in Northern Ireland as they are exposed to a variety of harmful behaviours from childhood right through to adulthood with implications for their mental health and social functioning. The evidence from this report and many others demonstrate that we need to respond now, we have a duty of care to ensure that this issue no longer remains behind closed doors nor the repeat item on the agenda for change."
The 'It's just what happens: Girls' and Young Women's Views and Experiences of Violence in Northern Ireland' report was led by Dr Siobhán McAlister from Queen's University Belfast, with findings based on 268 girls and young women across Northern Ireland who participated in the research.
This research also reported:
• The persistent nature of 'everyday violence' with almost all experiencing catcalling and street harassment from age 10-11 onwards.
• Girls receiving frequent unsolicited messages and sexual images from a young age. They considered this a normal part of their online life.
• The top three ranked barriers to girls reporting violence were: worried they might not be believed; worried it might make the situation worse; and not feeling it was serious enough to report.
• Learning about violence against girls and young women was identified by the participants as an important step in prevention. This should happen at a young age for boys and girls, in families, schools and youth provision.
Dr McAlister said: "Those who took part in the research reported little formal learning about violence in school. This, alongside powerful social messages of blame and responsibility, impacts the ability of girls to recognise violence and their willingness to disclose personal experiences. Girls learn that they need to 'keep themselves safe', thus removing responsibly for violence from boys and men.
"Research participants were keen to point out, however, that blaming boys and men was not useful. Rather that early, inclusive and meaningful education was required. They emphasised the need to support boys and young men in recognising the impacts of their attitudes and behaviours, and to disturb negative attitudes towards women at a broader societal level."
The reports were commissioned to obtain reliable data and increase our understanding of the wider experience of violence against women and girls living in Northern Ireland. They are being used to inform the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls which is currently out to consultation.
A new report, 'Every Voice Matters! Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland', led by Ulster University, also reveals that seven out of 10 of those surveyed had experienced some form of violence or abuse in the last 12 months.
A second report, 'It's Just What Happens: Girls' and Young Women's Views and Experiences of Violence in Northern Ireland' was led by Queen's University Belfast. It found that 73% of girls aged 12-17 reported having experienced at least one form of violence in their lifetime.
Both reports were commissioned by The Executive Office.
Speaking at an event launching both reports today, Head of the Civil Service Jayne Brady said: "These reports shine a light on the extensive nature of violence against women and girls and show too many lives have been blighted.
"They remind us all that the violence, harm and abuse inflicted on women and girls has far reaching repercussions, including significant impact on our men and young boys and that we all have a role to play in bringing about the change that is needed to improve the lives of women and girls in our communities, our workplaces, in our sports clubs, schools, colleges, our streets and in our homes."
The report, 'Every Voice Matters! Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland', was led by Dr Susan Lagdon, from Ulster University with findings of this report based on responses from 542 women. This report also found:
• Half of those (50%) experienced at least one form of violence or abuse before they were 11 years old;
• The worst experience of violence or abuse was most commonly committed by a stranger (29%), however often the perpetrator was known to the victim (romantic partner 23%; friend or acquaintance 19%) and occurred in their own home (26%);
• Overall, only one third (33%) of the participants felt able to speak about, or report, the violent incident that had occurred, with shame and embarrassment found to be the greatest barrier to reporting violent experiences.
As Dr Lagdon explained: "We spoke with and surveyed women from across Northern Ireland to get a better understanding of the violence they face and we are indebted to every woman who has shared their experience, insight and recommendations for the future.
"The research findings demonstrate the extensive nature of violence against women and girls living in Northern Ireland as they are exposed to a variety of harmful behaviours from childhood right through to adulthood with implications for their mental health and social functioning. The evidence from this report and many others demonstrate that we need to respond now, we have a duty of care to ensure that this issue no longer remains behind closed doors nor the repeat item on the agenda for change."
The 'It's just what happens: Girls' and Young Women's Views and Experiences of Violence in Northern Ireland' report was led by Dr Siobhán McAlister from Queen's University Belfast, with findings based on 268 girls and young women across Northern Ireland who participated in the research.
This research also reported:
• The persistent nature of 'everyday violence' with almost all experiencing catcalling and street harassment from age 10-11 onwards.
• Girls receiving frequent unsolicited messages and sexual images from a young age. They considered this a normal part of their online life.
• The top three ranked barriers to girls reporting violence were: worried they might not be believed; worried it might make the situation worse; and not feeling it was serious enough to report.
• Learning about violence against girls and young women was identified by the participants as an important step in prevention. This should happen at a young age for boys and girls, in families, schools and youth provision.
Dr McAlister said: "Those who took part in the research reported little formal learning about violence in school. This, alongside powerful social messages of blame and responsibility, impacts the ability of girls to recognise violence and their willingness to disclose personal experiences. Girls learn that they need to 'keep themselves safe', thus removing responsibly for violence from boys and men.
"Research participants were keen to point out, however, that blaming boys and men was not useful. Rather that early, inclusive and meaningful education was required. They emphasised the need to support boys and young men in recognising the impacts of their attitudes and behaviours, and to disturb negative attitudes towards women at a broader societal level."
The reports were commissioned to obtain reliable data and increase our understanding of the wider experience of violence against women and girls living in Northern Ireland. They are being used to inform the Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls which is currently out to consultation.
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28 July 2023
One In Five Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence
One in five people have experienced at least one type of gender-based violence, whether physical, sexual, psychological, economic or online, in the last five years. The figure was revealed in a report – the 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of adults in Northern Ireland in 2022' – published by The Executive Office.
One In Five Have Experienced Gender-Based Violence
One in five people have experienced at least one type of gender-based violence, whether physical, sexual, psychological, economic or online, in the last five years. The figure was revealed in a report – the 'Ending Violence Against Women and Girls: Experiences and attitudes of adults in Northern Ireland in 2022' – published by The Executive Office.
17 September 2024
Strategic Framework To End Violence Against Women And Girls Launched
A Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls, including the first Delivery Plan, which will see a £3million investment in a range of voluntary and community sector projects, has been launched by the Executive. Launching the Strategy, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Violence against women and girls must stop.
Strategic Framework To End Violence Against Women And Girls Launched
A Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls, including the first Delivery Plan, which will see a £3million investment in a range of voluntary and community sector projects, has been launched by the Executive. Launching the Strategy, First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Violence against women and girls must stop.
18 October 2022
Police-Perpetrated Violence Against Women And Girls Report Published
The Alliance Party has welcomed the publication of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing review of themes, learnings and recommendations on police-perpetrated violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Police-Perpetrated Violence Against Women And Girls Report Published
The Alliance Party has welcomed the publication of the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and College of Policing review of themes, learnings and recommendations on police-perpetrated violence against women and girls (VAWG).
27 September 2022
PSNI Launch New Violence Against Women And Girls Action Plan
With women and girls in Northern Ireland disproportionately affected by violence, abuse and intimidation, the PSNI has formally launched its first Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan for policing.
PSNI Launch New Violence Against Women And Girls Action Plan
With women and girls in Northern Ireland disproportionately affected by violence, abuse and intimidation, the PSNI has formally launched its first Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan for policing.
05 July 2023
EO Launches Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Consultation
A new public consultation on the proposed Ending Violence against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Strategic Framework, has been launched by the Executive Office (EO).
EO Launches Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Consultation
A new public consultation on the proposed Ending Violence against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Strategic Framework, has been launched by the Executive Office (EO).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
