Committee publication · Correspondence · 21 May 2025
Correspondence with White Ribbon NI and the Chair relating to ending violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland, dated 12 May and 29 April 2025
From: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Ending violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland
Summary
White Ribbon NI responded to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee's inquiry into violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Northern Ireland. The organisation reported that approximately 70% of women surveyed had experienced violence or abuse in the preceding 12 months, exacerbated by paramilitary influence, PSNI mistrust linked to the Troubles, and rigid masculinity norms. White Ribbon NI recommended investing in proven local programmes like Listen Learn Lead rather than new initiatives, and fostering UK-wide collaboration on prevention.
Key findings
- Ulster University study found approximately 70% of 540+ women respondents had endured violence or abuse within preceding 12 months, with underreporting suspected
- VAWG normalised by paramilitary influence, historical mistrust of PSNI rooted in the Troubles, and rigid 'NI man box' socialisation of young men emphasising dominance and control
- Online abuse in Northern Ireland broadly similar to rest of UK but compounded by small close-knit communities and potential for offline escalation involving paramilitaries
- Listen Learn Lead prevention programme already operational in schools, universities, sports clubs, and entire NI prison service; recommended for expansion and adaptation across UK
- Call for UK Government and NI Executive collaboration on best-practice sharing and establishment of regular forum for voluntary agencies across UK and Northern Ireland
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
White Ribbon NI, Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Ulster University, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Women's Aid NI
Notable line
“… young men are frequently socialised within a rigid "NI man box," informed by community role models— often individuals with paramilitary or ex-paramilitary status—who exemplify …”
Key Quotes
“… approximately 70% of respondents had endured some form of violence or abuse within the preceding 12 months”
“… the enduring presence of paramilitary influence, the complexities inherent in policing and ensuring community safety in remote rural areas, and a deeply entrenched mistrust of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI)—much of which is inextricably linked to the historical legacy of the Troubles—serve to create an environment in which violence is normalised”
“… young men are frequently socialised within a rigid "NI man box," informed by community role models— often individuals with paramilitary or ex-paramilitary status—who exemplify dominance, control, and unquestionable authority.”
“Rather than launching new initiatives, the government should support and invest in proven programmes that are already ma king a difference.”
“… there are healthy relationship programmes and programmes for perpetrators of VAWG but not a widespread and comprehensive prevention programme which challenges the attitudes and beliefs which LEAD to VAWG”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗