Prison Workshops in Northern Ireland Address Male Violence Against Women
Workshops held in Northern Ireland prisons are fostering crucial conversations among inmates about ending male violence against women and girls. Hundreds of convicted criminals are voluntarily participating in these initiatives to learn more about this pressing issue.
White Ribbon NI Leading the Change
The workshops are being led by Tahnee McCorry, chief executive of the charity White Ribbon NI. These sessions are taking place across various correctional facilities, including Hydebank Wood, Magilligan, and Maghaberry prisons.
"It sort of opened up a discussion - something that wouldn't have been talked about,"
This quote from a prisoner at Hydebank, as reported by BBC News NI, highlights the impact of these workshops.
Ms. McCorry emphasizes that these workshops are "encouraging certain conversations in rooms where [they] just haven't been had before" and are "transforming attitudes in the long run." Participation is open to anyone regardless of their offense, provided they are willing to learn, engage, and challenge themselves.
Workshop Content and Impact
The White Ribbon sessions employ case study scenarios, teach safe intervention techniques, and provide guidance on managing disclosures from victims. According to Ms. McCorry, the honest and open environment fostered in these workshops is a key factor in their effectiveness.
"This is a no holds barred conversation... You can say anything you want and I want to know what you really think about this issue."
One young prisoner at Hydebank reported that the workshops have changed his perspective on violence against women and girls. He now recognizes the prevalence of such violence in Northern Ireland and is concerned about creating a safer community for his daughter.
The Reality of Domestic Abuse in Northern Ireland
Recent statistics reveal the scale of the problem. In the past year, there were over 2,500 prosecutions under the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act 2021, with over 90% of convictions involving male offenders. In 2023/24, Northern Ireland prisons housed 1,877 individuals, with men comprising the majority (1,787). Over a third were under 39, and violent crimes represented the largest proportion of offenses.
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
Many young men at Hydebank Wood have witnessed domestic violence growing up. Ms. McCorry noted the impact of these experiences and how it changed the course of their lives.
"Unless we break those kind of cycles, we're going to keep seeing a lot of the same issues in Northern Ireland."
Changing the Conversation Within Prisons
Cathy Russell, a unit manager at Hydebank, described the course as "absolutely unique" and highlighted its impact on the prison community. It has "changed the whole conversation around violence against women and girls in this community."
Measuring Long-Term Change
Ms. McCorry acknowledges the challenges in measuring the immediate impact of these programs, emphasizing that the focus is on long-term change and breaking cycles of violence.
"It's a big mountain to climb, but hopefully it'll happen."
Supporting Women in the Criminal Justice System
Fiona Greene, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders, highlighted their work with women in prison, helping them recognize the signs and symptoms of violence.
