BENEFITS

CR1, CR3, CR9

Need

In July 2022, the CSEF (Community Safety Engagement Forum) identified key priorities including addressing drugs, violence against women and young girls, supporting ethnic minorities, and improving access to local community safety (CS) information and services. A specific focus was placed on combating violence against women and girls. 

Action

To address these issues, two groups were supported, running on separate evenings: one for women and one for girls, starting in November and December respectively. The Women’s group participated in self-defence classes, followed by a drop-in space where the CRJI (Community Restorative Justice Ireland) Community Safety officer was available for support. The Girls group, in partnership with Drumgor Detached Youth Project, engaged in weekly activities focused on online safety, harm reduction, and self-defence classes. 

Result

Feedback from both groups was highly positive. Women in the group appreciated learning self-defence in a fun and supportive environment, gaining confidence and skills to assess and handle potentially dangerous situations. Girls found the group a safe space to discuss safety issues and reconsider societal norms around personal safety. A survey conducted among participants revealed that 89% resided within the CiT area, and many were not previously involved in local community organisations. The majority found developing new skills and enhancing confidence as the most beneficial aspects of the workshop. This initiative successfully addressed the need for support and empowerment in the context of violence against women and girls in the community. 

It was a safe place to talk about issues which affect us, our safety, it’s a bit mad when you think about things that we almost take as normal, which really shouldn’t be things that we even have to consider, like having to walk home in pairs”.  

Girls Group Participant

“I learnt vital self-defence, but the beauty of it was we also had a laugh, it was great banter, never in a million years did I think you would catch me rolling about a mat. But now I feel a bit more confident and also know ways I could defend myself in a situation if I ever needed too”.  

“One of my biggest takeaways from it, is how to risk assess a situation I feel uncomfortable in, taking note of exits, minimising dangers etc”.  

Programme Participants

Survey

A survey completed of participants at the end of the training workshops provided the following results. 

• 89% resident within the CiT area, 11% were not and worked in the area. 

• 79% were not involved in a local community organisation/group, 21% were. 

• 47% found out about the training through a local organisation,10% through family/friends, 32% social media, and 10% other. 

• 26% felt that developing a new skill was the best thing about the workshop, 5% meeting new people and 68% all of the above (trainer and training materials, enhancing my confidence).