Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner is partnering with women’s services across the region to host this year’s candle-lit vigil to remember local women and girls who have tragically lost their lives to male violence.
The remembrance vigil is being held on the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls and the public are invited to attend to honour the women and girls across Merseyside whose lives have been taken.
Representatives from support services including Liverpool and South Liverpool’s Domestic Abuse Services, Knowsley-based domestic abuse charity The First Step, sexual violence service RASA Merseyside and Amadudu which provides a refuge for Black and Minority Ethnic women and girls fleeing domestic abuse will join PCC Emily Spurrell for the event.
It is the first time all six organisations have come together to jointly host the annual vigil.
The event will provide a space for survivors and their families to speak, allowing them to reflect on their own personal journeys and what they think needs to change for the better. Among those speaking is Julie Dale, the mother of Asley Dale who was tragically murdered in her Liverpool home last year.
The evening will feature speeches from local support services who will share powerful readings from victim-survivors, as well as community leaders who are committed to ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
There will also be performances from Tomorrow’s Women Choir and Savera UK Youth followed by a candle-lit vigil where the names of all the women and girls who have lost their lives will be read out during a time of silence.
A host of partners who are committed to ending gender-based violence including signatories to the Working in Partnership to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls across Merseyside strategy are also attending to help raise awareness of the scale of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) in our communities and to reaffirm their commitments to ending violence against women and girls.
Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell said: “It’s important we come together as a community to honour and remember the lives of women and girls tragically taken from us and pledge our ongoing commitment to ending this epidemic of gender-based violence.
“We shouldn’t need to hold these types of events, but while women and girls are still losing their lives at the hands of male violence and while families are still left grieving the loss of their loved ones, we will continue to come together in support, in unity and in the fight to bring about real change.
“While there has been progress on delivering on the victim-survivor focused actions set out in our shared region-wide VAWG strategy, we know there is still much more to do.
“Tonight is an important opportunity for us all to reaffirm our determination to do everything possible to protect women and girls and make our region a safer one.
“I would encourage anyone who has been affected or is committed to ending gender-based violence to join us for this evening of remembrance, to show support and solidarity to the families who have lost loved ones and join us in a moment of reflection and unity.”
Chief Executive of The First Step Caroline Grant said: “We gather in remembrance of local women and girls who have lost their lives to male violence. We stand shoulder to shoulder with those who have lost a loved one, so they know as a community we grieve with them.
“We honour their memory with a continued commitment to fight for justice, equality and safety for every woman and girl.”
Chief Executive of LDAS, Paula Nolan said: “The number of women and girls murdered by male violence in Merseyside is staggeringly high. Family and friends are left mourning their loved ones who have all been taken too soon and will be missed with deep sadness each and every day.
“This vigil is to raise awareness of male violence against women and girls and to remember all the women and girls who have been needlessly taken from us.”
Chair of Amadudu Women’s Refuge Beverley Williams said: “Amadudu are honoured to be a partner for this years’ Violence Against Women and Girls Vigil. We are saddened by the many women who have lost their lives to violence. As the only specialist ‘by and for’ BME refuge provider in the Liverpool City Region, we feel it is important to bring the issue of VAWG to our communities and wider audiences through this event.
“We ask that National and local governments recognise the true impact of crimes against women and girls and work together to end this epidemic by hearing the voices of survivors and continuing to fund vital services in order to protect our loved ones for the future.”
Director SLDAS, Rebecca Radcliffe said: “We come together to honour the memory of the women and girls who have deeply and tragically lost their lives to male violence.
“In this moment of solidarity, we not only remember those we have lost and their families, but we also reaffirm our dedication to putting an end to violence against women and girls. Together, we strive for a future where everyone can live freely and safely, without fear.”
Operations Manager RASA Merseyside, Lorraine Wood said: “We stand together to honour and remember the women and girls who have tragically lost their lives to male violence.
“We gather in solidarity, not only to remember those taken from us but to renew our commitment to ending violence against women and creating a future where all can live safely and without fear.”
The event will take place at Derby Square in Liverpool City Centre from 5.30pm-6.30pm on Monday 25th November for anyone interested in attending.
If you or someone you know has been affected by rape or sexual assault, domestic abuse, stalking or harmful practices, there are support services available that can help. Find support in your area by visiting the Victim Care Merseyside website – help in my area: https://victimcaremerseyside.org/help-in-my-area/
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