Free Workshops Target Gender Based Violence in Armagh, Banbridge

Hey, listen to this! Some groups are fighting violence against women in Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon. They want people to join their campaign. Free workshops are available locally.

This project is called Raise Your Voice. They will run eight workshops for women, girls, men, and boys. These workshops aim to stop sexual harassment and end violence against women by empowering people to fight this issue.

Violence against women is a big problem. Sadly, 25 women were murdered in four years. Raise Your Voice works locally to help as part of the Stormont Executive’s plan to end violence.

Elaine Crory, who works for Raise Your Voice, explains the aim. It is an awareness program run by the Women’s Resource group. The project focuses on stopping the violence cycle before it starts.

They believe change comes from the community. Classrooms are not the only place to learn. People in Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon can help by understanding sexual harassment and feeling strong enough to act.

Workshops will explain sexual harassment’s scope, including consent and victim blaming. Online harassment will also be discussed. People will learn how to help if violence happens, and the project hopes to change attitudes.

This project challenges what people see as normal and aims to change the culture to get rid of sexual harassment. The workshops coincide with the strategy’s start, which leaders launched officially last month in September.

A funding package of £3.2m exists. £1.2m goes to eight groups to deliver community education, while another £2m goes to regional councils. Councils support the strategy’s first step and focus on violence prevention.