Supporting a Future Without Violence

Pondering with a lack of confidence but a burning desire to do something about the high levels of misogyny and violence towards women in our society, I had thought many times before about applying for a Churchill Fellowship. Applications were open in 2022, but I honestly believed this was far beyond my capabilities. Contemplation continued until I hit the apply button! Fast forward to July 2023, I had been shortlisted, interviewed, awarded the Fellowship, and was about to embark on a journey that would change my life.

Over August and September 2023, I travelled across the United States. First stop was San Francisco, where I was hosted by Futures Without Violence – the creators of Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM). Over the next number of weeks, I visited schools, universities, and domestic violence and action against rape organisations. Seven domestic flights later and a ton of new and invaluable information gained, I concluded my travels in New York City. I knew I needed to rest and recharge before returning home – this was an incredibly overwhelming experience. I was feeling hopeful, empowered, but also sad. I had witnessed and was exposed to some horrific stories of traumatised youth; for instance, in Memphis, where black youth are victims of crime and gun violence is rife.

While my mission was to research the implementation of CBIM and how it can be effective in addressing misogyny and the culture of violence against women and girls in our society, I had also seen how it could address culturally specific issues in Northern Ireland such as racism, homophobia and religious disparity between Catholics and Protestants. If we use a trauma-informed approach to underpin how we treat and understand young people, often those coming from significant deprivation, dysfunctional family homes, and communities with a lack of resources, we then have a far better chance of reducing these crimes. One of the things I love most about CBIM is that it doesn’t just address misogyny or disrespectful attitudes towards girls and women. It covers everything that all young people (boys specifically) need to have access to.

Upon my return from the States, I was invited to give a presentation at Women’s Ed Unconference in Ulster University Belfast. I later sent out a tweet appealing for a school to pilot the CBIM programme, which has now been trialled successfully. The school, Banbridge High School, intends on taking this programme forward ultimately reaching hundreds of adolescent boys over the years ahead.

Following this, the interest has been huge – the need is evidently there. I have appeared on BBC Talkback with William Crawley, conducted media interviews, spoken with universities who are keen to conduct a study on the programme’s effectiveness, and now plan to deliver the training to a few youth groups as well as one of the biggest Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubs in Northern Ireland.

I have been given permission from Futures Without Violence to adapt the programme to meet the different cultural needs in Northern Ireland. I plan to speak with voices on the ground, who are actively working with young people to ask, “What is it we need? How can we transform the lives of young men, young women, and those in our communities?”

One of the recommendations from my Fellowship findings is to train a number of Community Advocates to facilitate sessions across clubs and schools in NI, while another aim is to develop a CBIM advisory network across NI – these plans are in motion.

As it stands, three teachers have been trained in CBIM, reaching 55 young men. By the end of 2024, over a dozen coaches and mentors will be trained in Northern Ireland. The impact of CBIM looks to reach hundreds of young people over the next number of months.

I believe this programme is a catalyst for change, and I am so proud to be part of this movement. Here’s to a Future Without Violence.