Violence against women and girls is a very serious challenge in our society. It is a problem that is hidden in plain sight and every day we see how it is affecting the lives of women and girls, wherever they learn, live, and work.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have been consistently campaigning for an end to violence against women and girls.
As part of this campaign, they are hosting a conference designed to assist local organisations in addressing this issue and really making a difference.
Entitled ‘It’s In Your Hands’, the conference aims to support organisations within the community to better understand the issues around ending violence against women and girls, to support them in changing attitudes and ultimately to help end this violence.
A number of speakers will cover different topics including coercive control, partner violence, what a healthy relationship should look like and how we can educate everyone in our communities to prevent abuse and harm against women and girls.
Dr Ngozi Anyadike-Danes is a Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Ulster University and was part of the research team that authored ‘Every Voice Matters! Violence Against Women in Northern Ireland’ Research Report. This research explores women’s experience of violence and abuse across their lifetime and the impacts that this has had on mental health, well-being and social functioning.
Marcella Leonard MBE assists organisations strategically and operationally to have robust safeguarding for children and adults at risk. She will be considering the issue of sexual violence against women and girls in the context of exploring the signs and symptom of those experiencing this form of abuse, how they may present, the impact of trauma on individuals, and consideration of appropriate measures organisations/groups can implement to support the reporting/disclosure of abuse.
“I am a huge advocate for this campaign and in our collective responsibility to end violence against women and girls,” commented the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy.
“This conference which is free to attend, is a really important step as it is about making sure everyone understands that we all have a part to play in ending this. By coming together and having these conversations, we can help create a safer world where women and girls are treated with the respect they deserve.”
The conference will take place on Monday 31 March, 9.30am to 4pm at Armagh City Hotel. To attend, please register here: https://evawgconference2025.eventbrite.co.uk
