Ending violence against women and girls in Belfast

Ending violence against women and girls

Women and girls should feel, and be, safe everywhere – and we’re working to do what we can to make that happen.

Ending all forms of violence, abuse and harm against women and girls is one of the most pressing challenges facing us today. It is also a priority in the Northern Ireland (NI) Executive’s Programme for Government.

In Belfast, we’re supporting the NI Executive to roll out their Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy (link opens in new window).

The strategy highlights how violence is never acceptable and that there is something everyone can do to help.

We want to show how Belfast is stepping up to this challenge and is working together to tackle an issue which impacts everyone in our city.

Our work includes:

• continuing work in each area of the city with events and targeted activities
• additional training for community organisations to support better understanding of the issues around violence against women and girls
• showcasing projects supported through the Local Change Fund through our communications channels
• looking at how men and boys can help
• increasing capacity within the local women’s sector to support very vulnerable women
• looking at what’s possible to promote safety in our outdoor spaces, and
• working with the city’s creative and sport sectors.

Training for community organisations

Free training is available for those who want to gain a better understanding of domestic abuse and coercive control.

It includes an overview of how those in difficult circumstances may act, as well as looking at the impact on their decision-making abilities.

The course uses practical interactive exercises, case studies and women’s experiences to empower participants to respond appropriately and approach this subject with care and confidence.

Topics include:

• examining root causes
• types and cycles of abuse
• the effects of abuse on the individual
• prevention
• appropriate responses
• risk assessments, and
• safety planning.

Next available training dates will be added here, once confirmed. To express your interest, email [email protected].

The following sessions are developed and delivered by our partners at the Women’s Resource and Development Agency. To find out more or register your interest in a session, email [email protected].

END Violence Against Women and Girls: An Introduction

An introductory one-hour session designed to give participants a basic understanding of the wide range of behaviours that make up violence against women and girls. It includes an introduction to the Pyramid of Gender-Based Violence, an exploration of the eight types of Violence Against Women and Girls and why prevention matters.  

This is suitable for all audiences. No prior knowledge is required.

Become an EVAWG Champion

This two-hour training session will help you move from awareness to action, building a network of people committed to preventing violence against women and girls within their communities.

It will teach useful skills to challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours, promote equality, respect and safety, help you have conversations about EVAWG and learn how to raise awareness in your community.

Open to anyone who has completed our introductory training.

Violence Against Women and Girls in Open Spaces

This standalone two-hour workshop explores how communities, organisations and groups can help create safer, inclusive environments for women.  It will explore how women and girls experience public spaces, harassment, intimidation and safety and the impact of fear on participation and wellbeing.

It will also look at the practical actions organisations can take to improve participation.

Open to anyone who has completed our Introductory training.

Local Change Fund

Almost £600,000 has been provided to 50 Belfast community and voluntary groups to deliver projects since summer 2025.

These grants were awarded through the Local Change Fund, with funding provided across three tiers:

• Tier 1 (maximum award of £5,000)
• Tier 2 (maximum award of £15,000), and
• Tier 3 (maximum award of £25,000).

The projects funded will:

• help change the attitudes, behaviours and culture of violence against women and girls
• promote healthy, respectful relationships, and
• help women and girls to feel, and be, safe everywhere.

They include:

• TAMHI - Games, Protection and Sport – a sports-based programme for men and women in north Belfast
• Bruiser Theatre Company - Wasted – a play exploring issues of consent with pupils aged 16+
• Belfast City of Sanctuary- culturally sensitive workshops, training and community events with the city’s black and minority ethnic communities
• HERe NI – training and mentoring to help break the silence and stigma around violence towards women and girls in the LGBTQIA+ community.
• R City Belfast – SHE SAFE (Safety Assured For Everyone) programme – supporting 13 to 16-year-olds to navigate safety in all aspects of life, including the development of She: Building and Leading, an interactive game for youth groups to explore issues around consent, health and wellbeing and feminism

Among those also receiving funding are community groups, youth clubs, sports clubs and creative projects.

Regional Change Fund

Eight organisations will also share £1.2 million of funding from the Executive Office to deliver society-wide change when it comes to tackling violence against women and girls. We are supporting the administration of this fund.

The organisations are (all links open in a new window): 

• Nexus
• Women’s Aid Federation NI (WAFNI)
• Women’s Resource and Development Agency (WRDA)
• Relate NI
• White Ribbon NI
• Youth Action
• NSPCC
• Barnardo’s NI

Help and support

There are agencies and confidential services that can support you if you’re experiencing violence or feel unsafe. Contact details are available from nidirect (link opens in new window).

The PSNI, Department of Justice and NI Executive have launched the Power to Change campaign, which is urging men and boys to help play their part in affecting cultural and societal change.

To read more about this campaign, go to Power to Change (link opens in new window)