Students aged 14 to 17 from schools in the Derry City and Strabane district created a comic book titled Our Modern Troubles - The Storm Before The Calm. The book follows two fictional young characters facing physical, verbal, psychological, emotional and sexual violence in their relationships. It shows how family and friends provide support.

The project involved evening workshops facilitated by local police from Derry City and Strabane, including the Ending Violence Against Women And Girls Impact Team, Revolve Comics and Foyle Women’s Aid. Chief Inspector Cherith Craig participated from the start and noted the importance of the students telling the story in their own way.

Funding came from the NI Executive’s Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime and the Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership. Printers produced 6,000 copies for distribution in local schools and youth clubs, with online availability. The book includes links to agencies for help with domestic abuse.

The launch took place at The Guildhall in Derry on 31 March. Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton presented certificates to the students from St. Mary’s College, St Cecilia’s College, Thornhill College, Oakgrove Integrated College, Foyle College, Lumen Christie College, St Joseph’s College, St. Patrick’s and St. Brigid’s College in Claudy, and The Churches Trust.

Year 10 students from St Cecilia’s College, directed by Head of Drama Department Greta McTague, performed a play called Whispers, written by Constable Josie Crawford, focusing on coercive control. St. Mary’s College Senior School Orchestra provided music, along with singers Anne Marie Hickey from St Eugene’s Cathedral and Roisin Rice, Vice Principal of St Mary’s College.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill addressed the audience by video. Attendees included Justice Minister Naomi Long, Junior Minister Joanne Bunting, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Councillor Ruairí McHugh, Chief Executive Officer of Foyle Women’s Aid Marie Brown, Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Mukesh Sharma, Deputy Mayor Niree McMorris, PCSP Chair Alderman Keith Kerrigan, and Eamon McGinley from Community Restorative Justice Ireland.

Justice Minister Naomi Long commended the young creators and partners, stating the project highlights coercive control and domestic abuse through approaches relatable to youth. Mayor Councillor Ruairí McHugh praised the students' work as an educational resource on unhealthy relationships. PCSP Chair Alderman Keith Kerrigan called it a meaningful project tackling domestic abuse with maturity.