Book Club helps raise awareness of dangers of coercive control
22 May 2026
The Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman Niree McMorris, joined members of the Foyle Women’s Information Network for a special event highlighting the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls.
The Network is dedicated to empowering women across Derry by providing education, advocacy, and community support, and runs a diverse programme of events including a monthly book club.
This month the club discussed ‘Nesting’ by Roisin O'Donnell, a book that explores the themes of coercive control, cruelty and manipulation and the complexities of carving out a new life free from oppression. It was an opportunity to focus on some of the issues making the headlines, and the positive mechanisms being implemented locally to support women.
The purchase of the books for the club was funded by Council's Ending Violence Against Women and Girls funded programme, just one of a number of initiatives being rolled out to tackle the issue.
Speaking after the event, Ald. McMorris said the Network played an important role in connecting women and providing a safe space to engage and learn.
“It was a privilege to join members of the Foyle Women’s Information Network for this important discussion and to see first-hand the invaluable work being carried out to support and empower women across our City and District.
“Events such as this create safe spaces for conversation, reflection and understanding, while also helping to raise awareness of the support services and networks available locally.
“Ending violence against women and girls must remain a priority for all of us. It is vital that women know they are not alone, that they will be listened to, believed and supported, and that together we continue to challenge attitudes and behaviours that allow violence and abuse to persist.
“I want to commend the Foyle Women’s Information Network for their dedication to advocacy, education and community support, and I’m delighted that Council’s Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme funds this organisation to deliver on the EVAWAG framework. Through partnership working and continued community engagement, we can help build a safer, more respectful society for everyone.”