Council Launches Hard-Hitting Campaign Challenging the Myths Around Femicide

A new digital and PR campaign to raise awareness about femicide and to challenge the misconceptions of who actually commits these crimes has been launched by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

The campaign highlights a difficult truth - men who kill women do not fit one type or profile. There is no ‘typical’ perpetrator. They are often people we already know - partners, neighbours or trusted members of the community.

Through a series of short films, the campaign challenges the belief that perpetrators are easily identifiable or visibly dangerous. 

Northern Ireland continues to see some of the highest levels of violence against women. Since 2020, almost 30 women have been killed by men, underlining the urgent need for awareness, early intervention and cultural change.

Each film concludes with the same powerful message: ‘Men who kill women do not fit a single profile. There is no typical perpetrator.’

Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “I welcome the launch of this important campaign. Violence against women and girls remains a serious and pressing concern across Northern Ireland, and the Council is committed, alongside our partners, to challenging the attitudes that allow it to continue. I would urge residents to engage with this campaign and to be mindful that perpetrators are very often known to their victims, rather than strangers. Awareness of this reality is a vital first step towards prevention." 

Speaking about the campaign, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd said, "This campaign highlights an important reality that there is no typical perpetrator of femicide. Femicide is not committed by ‘monsters’ hiding in the shadows - it is most often carried out by ordinary men, in ordinary settings. If we are serious about ending violence against women and girls, we must challenge assumptions, recognise harmful behaviours early and hold perpetrators to account.

“Ending violence against women and girls requires a collective effort and continuing to raise awareness is an important part of that work."

The campaign forms part of the Council's ongoing commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and will run across the Council's digital channels over the coming weeks.
Each video concludes with information on support services and helplines for anyone affected by domestic abuse or violence against women and girls. Both the Health Trusts are ensuring that their teams are on hand to support anyone who needs help or support. 

For further information on the #MythsAroundFemicide campaign, please visit www.newrymournedown.org/safeguarding

The campaign is a collaboration between Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the Southern and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts and with support from The Executive Office.