Three Ways Youth Project premieres films tackling violence against women and girls

A Newry youth project has premiered three short films tackling violence against women and girls, bringing together young people, community organisations and local representatives for an awareness evening at Newry Omniplex.

The Stand Up: The Premiere for Change initiative on 26 February was led by the Three Ways Youth Project and focused on raising awareness of violence against women and girls, challenging harmful attitudes and encouraging the wider community to play an active role in prevention. The project grew from honest conversations within the group about attitudes towards relationships, consent, coercive control and gender roles, after young people identified a gap in structured education and open discussion around domestic violence and bystander responsibility.

Through weekly workshops with domestic violence professionals and support services, participants shaped three short films exploring the emotional, psychological and social consequences of violence against women and girls, ensuring the content was factual and survivor-centred throughout.

Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said the evening had been about far more than a film screening. "Violence against women and girls is not a distant issue. It is a very real and serious challenge within our own communities. What we witnessed at Newry Omniplex was not simply a film premiere; it was young people taking responsibility, challenging harmful attitudes and calling on all of us to play our part."

Cllr Campbell praised the young people involved as leaders in their own right. "Their courage to explore difficult conversations, their creativity in expressing powerful messages and their determination to stand up for what is right is nothing short of inspirational. They are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are leaders today, helping to shape a safer, more equal society for us all."

Padraig Harte of Three Ways Community Association, who leads the youth project alongside Amy Fearon and Bernadette Hollywood, said the premiere represented months of behind-the-scenes effort. "This project began because our young people told us it needed to happen. In our sessions, they were speaking openly about harmful attitudes they were seeing around consent, control and relationships. They recognised gaps in education and understanding and chose to step forward rather than stay silent."

Mr Harte said the level of commitment shown by the young people had been remarkable. "The young people ensured everything was factual, responsible and survivor centred. That level of maturity and dedication at such a young age is remarkable. Time and time again, they prove that young people are not the problem — they are the solution."

The films will now form the basis of an educational resource pack for schools, youth clubs and community organisations, supporting discussions around healthy relationships, consent, equality and bystander intervention.

The initiative was delivered with support from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, The Executive Office, the Department for Communities and the Education Authority.

Special thanks were extended to Women's Aid Armagh Down, particularly Fiona McNaughton, for delivering specialist training, as well as Martina Flynn, Head of Engagement at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Youth Action NI, Teddy Fearon of FilmedIt Media and Mark Hughes of EDAM for facilitating production.

The cast members from Newpoint Players, Newry Leisure Centre, Today's Local on High Street, The Quays Shopping Centre and the families and friends of those involved were also acknowledged.