White Ribbon anthem 'reflects the experiences of women affected by domestic abuse'

Women’s Aid ABCLN has collaborated with Northern Ireland Opera and the Ulster Orchestra for the 'White Ribbon’ anthem.
Vocalist Jolene O'Hara.Vocalist Jolene O'Hara.
Vocalist Jolene O'Hara.

Co-written by pianist Ruth McGinley and songwriter Duke Special, the song reflects the voices and experience of women affected by domestic abuse.

The single, recorded live in the Waterfront Hall with vocalist Jolene O’Hara, Northern Ireland Opera’s Associate Artists and the Ulster Orchestra, is now available to download via Spotify, iTunes and other streaming services.

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The White Ribbon campaign is a global movement to end male violence against women and the ‘White Ribbon’ anthem has been commissioned by Northern Ireland Opera, working jointly with the Ulster Orchestra and Women’s Aid ABCLN, in response to the devastating impact of domestic abuse.

Ruth McGinley has worked alongside women affected by domestic abuse to create the ‘White Ribbon’ anthem, and her own personal experience of domestic abuse can be felt in its powerful and uplifting words.

“Whilst anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, we know it is an issue that disproportionately impacts women," Ruth said. "PSNI statistics show that out of all reported domestic abuse crimes, 69 percent of victims were women, 31 percent of victims were men, and 86 percent of perpetrators were men.”

“Eight women have lost their lives in lockdown in Northern Ireland due to domestic abuse incidents in the last year. We stand together with all victims of domestic abuse.”

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White Ribbon campaign co-ordinator, Tahnee McCorry added: “Women’s Aid ABCLN encourages groups and individuals across Northern Ireland to take action by supporting the White Ribbon campaign and making the personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.”

“The anthem has featured on UTV Live and BBC Radio Ulster and has received unanimous recognition and support with its call to end male violence against women and girls. It is our hope that the anthem will strike a chord with the general public.

“Our thanks go to Northern Ireland Opera and Ulster Orchestra for this unique opportunity and to all the women who have shared their voices and experiences about domestic abuse to create the ‘White Ribbon’ anthem.”

Proceeds from White Ribbon will go towards supporting Women’s Aid ABCLN; to download the anthem, visit ffm.to/whiteribbon

If you have been affected by domestic abuse and would like to speak to someone, you can call the freephone 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414.

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