VAWG Strategy

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