VAWG Strategy
16 Days of Action
The 16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign which began in 1991. The campaign calls for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. This includes, but is not limited to, rape and sexual assault, domestic abuse, child sexual abuse and exploitation, stalking, forced marriage and FGM, and trafficking.
Violence Against Women and Girls in numbers –
- Around the world, millions of women and girls suffer physical and sexual violence. More than 640 million women aged 15 and over have been subjected to intimate partner violence.
- In 2022, 48,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by their intimate partner or other family members.
- 95% of people trafficked for sexual exploitation in Europe are female
- A woman is killed every three days in the UK by a partner or ex-partner. On average more than five women and girls are killed every hour by someone in their family worldwide.
- In Wirral, 2373 women were victims of domestic abuse in 2023-24. In 50% of these crimes, the perpetrator was a partner or ex-partner.
- And this is just the tip of the iceberg…
In support of the initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General launched the UNITE campaign which runs parallel to the 16 days of action. More information about the UN campaign can be found here 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence | UN Women – Headquarters
Support services across Wirral come together during the 16 days of action to campaign and raise awareness of gender based violence and violence against women and girls (VAWG).
There is support available if you or someone you know is experiencing violence, information about local services can be found here /local-support-services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
For more information about events running for the 16 days in 2024 or details of how you can get involved, you can email [email protected]
To access the #itneverokay full website – please scan the QR code below:
The Wirral Domestic Abuse Alliance and the Wirral Safeguarding Children Partnership have published the Wirral Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls strategy.
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) refers to a range of crimes, with the common theme that they disproportionately affect women and girls. This strategy has been developed to help professionals identify, prevent and respond to all gender based violence.
The tragic deaths of Sarah Everard and Sabine Nessa in 2021 shocked the country and shone a light on the experiences of many women and girls who are afraid to be out, especially by themselves for fear of being attacked. The combination of these killings, and reported experiences at a time when statistics show that rates of domestic abuse and the number of women requesting support following the COVID-19 pandemic has surged, has led to widespread calls for change.
The strategy, and its four key priority areas of prevention and education; support for victims; reducing harm; and building safer communities, all aim to bring about a cultural shift leading to long-term change in attitudes, and to ensure that agencies and professionals are able to identify and respond to violence and abuse, whilst safeguarding and supporting victims.
The strategy includes a comprehensive local delivery plan, and with its emphasis on prevention and education involves closer work with schools and colleges.
The VAWG strategy can be downloaded below:
A Seven Minute summary briefing is also available:
Two strategy summary posters can be downloaded below:
Four Awareness Raising Posters are Available to Download and Use
Useful Links
The #ItsNeverOk website offers a one-stop view of services across Wirral for domestic abuse support. It is open to anyone who may be experiencing or think they are experiencing domestic abuse. A confidential service for male and female victims and is for anyone over the age of 16 years
The government VAWG strategy sets out their national plan to tackle violence against women and girls
Local Services
Family Safety Unit – To access support from an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate Call: 0151 666 4914
Involve NW – To access support from a peer mentor or domestic abuse programme Call: 0151 644 4500 email: [email protected]
The Light House Centre – The Lighthouse Centre is a safe, warm, and friendly space for women and children who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. We provide a drop-in service Monday to Friday 9am until 4pm where we offer
independent advocacy, risk assessment and safety planning. We also have specialist workshops and programmes running throughout the week to support women and children to help them navigate towards a safe and positive future.
No appointment is necessary to come into the centre and all our services are free
Call 0151 644 4839 or email: [email protected]
National Domestic Violence Helpline – Helpline for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf. The Helpline is staffed by fully trained female helpline support workers and volunteers. All calls are completely confidential. Call 0808 2000 247 – 24 hours
Next Chapter – Next Chapter (NWCIC) can offer tailored support to anyone who has been affected by domestic abuse. We have created a ‘journey’ for our service users to embark on, support can be shaped and guided by you, for the length of time and at a pace that’s suitable, convenient and safe for you. Call 07368 601367 or email: [email protected]
Paul Lavelle Foundation – For support to male victims of domestic abuse email: [email protected]
RASA (Rape and Sexual Abuse) Merseyside – Specialist support for anyone who has been impacted by sexual violence whether directly or indirectly. Call: 0151 558 1801 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rasamerseyside.org
Tomorrow’s Women – To access 1:1 support or domestic abuse programme Call: 0151 647 7907 Or visit: [email protected] @tomorrowswomen on twitter or Instagram
Wirral Women and Children’s Aid (Wirral Refuge) – To access support and advice from the refuge Call: 0151 643 9766 (24 hours)
Wirral Ways to Recovery – To access support and recovery programmes for alcohol and substances Call: 0151 556 1335 email: [email protected]
Savera UK – Savera is a national service working with Black Minority Ethnic communities and specifically women who are at risk of domestic abuse and harmful practices such as honour-based violence (HBV), female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. Call 0800 107 0726 – 9am to 5pm, weekdays
Karma Nirvana – Karma Nirvana offers practical and emotional support to male and female victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse across the UK. Call 0800 5999 247 – UK Helpline, 9am to 5pm