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In Northern Ireland’s prisons, a revolutionary shift in dialogue surrounding male violence against women and girls is taking place among hundreds of convicted criminals. White Ribbon NI, a charity dedicated to ending violence against women, has been spearheading workshops in Hydebank Wood, Magilligan, and Maghaberry prisons. Tahnee McCorry, the charity’s chief executive, has emphasized that this work is the most crucial in her mission to combat violence against women and girls. This initiative is believed to be unique within the prison services of both the UK and Ireland.
Ms. McCorry expressed that the distinctiveness of these workshops lies in their ability to foster discussions that previously did not occur within the prison walls. She stated, “The difference in this is that it’s encouraging certain conversations in rooms where [they] just haven’t been had before.” The program is open to individuals convicted of various offenses, as long as they exhibit a willingness to learn, engage, and challenge themselves. Through case study scenarios, participants learn safe intervention methods in concerning situations and receive guidance on handling disclosures from victims.
The impact of these workshops extends beyond the prison cells, touching on the broader issue of domestic abuse in society. In the past year alone, there were over 2,500 prosecutions under the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act 2021 in Northern Ireland, with more than 90% of the convicted individuals being male. Moreover, the demographic composition of prisons in the region reveals that a significant portion of inmates are men under the age of 39, with violent crimes constituting a substantial portion of their offenses.
Within the confines of Hydebank Wood, where the initiative was initially piloted, young men have reflected on their exposure to domestic violence during upbringing. Ms. McCorry highlighted the profound impact of such experiences on individuals’ life trajectories, emphasizing the need to break these cycles in Northern Ireland. Two young prisoners shared insights from the workshops, revealing how their perceptions of violence against women and girls had evolved. One individual, referred to as John, emphasized the importance of creating safer communities for his daughter, shedding light on the transformative power of these discussions.
Unit manager Cathy Russell underscored the groundbreaking nature of the program within Hydebank, stating that it has shifted the discourse surrounding violence against women and girls. By fostering conversations that were previously unspoken, the workshops have catalyzed a transformative change within the prison community. While measuring the immediate impact of such initiatives may pose challenges, Ms. McCorry remains steadfast in her long-term vision of breaking cycles of violence against women and girls. She acknowledged the uphill battle ahead but expressed hope for meaningful change over the years to come
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