To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister, for an update on the commissioning of their Department’s research on boys and men’s attitudes and behaviours in related to violence against women and girls.

Research to identify evidence gaps in understanding attitudes and behaviours of men and boys related to violence against women and girls was commissioned on 19 May 2025 following a formal procurement process, with the contract awarded to Queen’s University Belfast.

The research will focus on young men and boys aged 16-24. The research process is currently underway, including engagement with stakeholders, development of a scoping review, interviews with organisations who work with young men and boys, focus groups with young men and boys, and a survey. The results are expected to be published in Spring 2026.