Long praises students’ efforts to tackle domestic and sexual abuse
Date published:
The Justice Minister has met pupils behind an innovative student-led initiative which aims to combat misogyny in schools.
The Female Voices project, which was developed by staff and students at Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock, also challenges sexism in the curriculum.
During a visit to the school, Naomi Long said:
“Tackling domestic and sexual abuse remains a priority for me and the Department of Justice.
“However, I have always been clear that this is an issue which cannot be tackled in isolation; it will require a whole society approach.
“Therefore, it is heartening to see a group of young people taking such proactive steps to address the attitudes that enable domestic and sexual abuse to happen.
“This initiative will empower young people to recognise and challenge harmful stereotypes and beliefs by ensuring that the female voice is a part of the conversation in schools.
“It will ultimately help to reduce the harm caused by domestic and sexual abuse, and I would like to congratulate the Female Voices project team on their efforts to create a safer Northern Ireland for all.”
The Female Voices project began in September 2023, when a group of 19 students from Years 9 to14 at Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock, formed a project team to design and deliver the ambitious project.
Its aim was to give rise to the female voice within the curriculum and to develop resources to facilitate conversations in schools around sexism and misogyny.
Since its launch, the project team has delivered impactful workshops and training sessions to a range of educators, as well as presenting their research and resources to MLAs.
Notes to editors:
1. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse strategy was launched in September last year. The vision for the strategy is that Northern Ireland is a place where:
- Domestic and/or sexual abuse is not tolerated, and everyone can be safe and free from fear.
- Domestic and/or sexual abuse is everyone’s business, where partnership work and collaborative approaches create lasting change across our communities and provide hope.
- The voice of victims, including children and young people, is valued and central to decision making.
Further information on the strategy can be found at Domestic and Sexual Abuse Strategy 2024-2031 | Department of Justice.
2.Department of Justice media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via email .
3.The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.