Shining a Spotlight on Behaviour that leads to Violence Against Women and Girls

A specially commissioned play, highlighting the signs of harmful and coercive behaviour that can lead to women and girls experiencing violence and abuse in relationships, will be staged in a number of post-primary schools across the district, starting 16 February, 2026.

Entitled The Voice Within, the play written and directed by Spanner in the Works Theatre Company, follows a teenage partnership and highlights behaviours and attitudes that lead to control and violence in a relationship. 

The powerful production is part of Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council’s continued campaign and commitment to Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG).

The play, which examines themes of control and violence in relationships and the importance of communication and respect to avoid harm, is followed by an interactive workshop.

Organised and delivered by the Council’s seven District Electoral Areas (DEAs), the play is supported by The Executive Office Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Momentum Funding. 

The play will be performed in front of over 1,000 students and conclude with a performance in Newry Town Hall on Tuesday, 24 February, which will be attended by Newry, Mourne and Down Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell.

He has highlighted the significance of the play in helping young people understand behaviour that can lead to control and violence in a relationship and has commended everyone involved in the initiative.

“The play provides an insight into the harmful, coercive behaviour that can lead to women and girls experiencing violence and abuse in their relationship. Such behaviour has no place in society. Women and girls should feel safe at all times,” said the Council Chairperson.

“The Voice Within play and workshops support the Council’s determination to tackle this issue. The play helps raise awareness about a matter which affects millions of women and girls across the globe who deserve to live free from threat or harm in any shape or form.”

The play will be delivered across the district with students attending from a number of schools including, Kilkeel High School, St. Louis Grammar, Kilkeel; Assumption Grammar and St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College, both Ballynahinch; Lecale Trinity Grammar, Downpatrick; St. Malachy’s High, Castlewellan; Abbey Grammar, Our Lady’s Grammar, St Colman’s College, St Joseph’s High and St Mary’s High, all Newry; St Joseph’s High, Crossmaglen, St Paul’s High, Bessbrook and Newtownhamilton High School.