16 Days: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls

The 25th November signifies the start of 16 days of action against gender based violence and lasts until Human Rights day on 10th December.

This year the UNiTE campaign marks the 16 days under the theme 'UNiTE! Activitism to end violence against women and girls' and utilises the colour orange to represent a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls. 

Along with individuals and organisations around the world we will be coming together to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

On 24th November 2022, representatives from the Safer St Helens partnership attended the launch of Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner's, new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Delivery Plan.

We are strongly committed to the plan, which sets out clear, acheivable actions focussed on tackling domestic abuse. To protect women and girls who live and work in Merseyside, preventing violence, pursuing offenders and ensuring that tackling VAWG is prioritised and treated with urgency. You can read the plan here

 

 *On the evening of the 25th November, the Steve Prescott bridge will be lit orange in tribute to the campaign.

In St Helens we want to break down the silence that surrounds domestic abuse. The Voices Against Domestic Abuse (VADA) campaign encourages residents, businesses and local organisations to learn how to use their voice to provide support victims. By raising awareness on how to report incidents and access support services. 

Throughout the 16 days a stream of informative social media messages will be shared with St Helens Borough Council followers, asking them to call out domestic abuse, challenging unwelcome and inappropriate behaviour and encouraging the reporting of inidents.

2022 sees the football World Cup falling during the 16 days. Incidents of violence are known to increase during major sporting events and we are asking residents to look out for victims of domestic abuse (male and female).

If you hear violence behind closed doors, use your voice and report it to Merseyside Police, as soon as possible on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

The Safe2speak Domestic Abuse Service is free to any resident of St Helens who is a victim of domestic abuse, whatever your living situation.