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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched a digital and PR campaign to raise awareness of femicide and challenge misconceptions about who commits these crimes. It's being developed in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The campaign, called #MythsAroundFemicide, is made up of a series of short films that challenge the belief that perpetrators are easily identifiable or visibly dangerous. It highlights that men who kill women do not fit one type or profile, and that they are often people already known to the victim, such as partners, neighbours or trusted members of the community.
Northern Ireland continues to see some of the highest levels of violence against women. Since 2020, almost 30 women have been killed by men, which the campaign says underlines the need for awareness, early intervention and cultural change.
Each film ends with the same 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." He added: "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."
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."
She added: "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."
Cllr Hanna said the Council is committed, alongside its partners, to challenging the attitudes that allow violence against women and girls to continue.
The campaign forms part of the Council's ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and will run on its digital channels over the coming weeks. Each video ends with information on support services and helplines for anyone affected by domestic abuse or violence against women and girls. The Southern and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts are ensuring their teams are on hand to support anyone who needs help.
The campaign is a collaboration between Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and the two Health and Social Care Trusts, with support from The Executive Office.
More information is available at www.newrymournedown.org/safeguarding
See the videos at www.youtube.com
