MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner is encouraging organisations which work to support women and girls and those who are committed to ending gender-based violence to give their support to an event to mark International Day to End Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG).

The community expo-style event on Saturday,  25 November 2023, will be focused on raising awareness of the scale of VAWG in our communities and what needs to be done to tackle it, while promoting the support available to all those affected across Merseyside.

The event, being held at the Atrium of Mann Island outside the Open Eye Gallery, will feature a series of speeches and a candle-lit vigil to remember those women and girls who have tragically lost their lives to gender-based violence across Merseyside.

Charities and third sector organisations are invited to host a stall at the event between 2pm and 4pm at which they can promote the services they offer, raise awareness of their work and crucially, engage with members of the public who may want or need support.

Prior to the stalled event, the Police Commissioner will be supporting the No Excuse for Abuse March hosted by her Victim Care Merseyside partner Savera UK focused on raising awareness of so-called ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices in our communities.

This event will start in Williamson Square at 1.45pm with survivor testimony, drumming, dance, and other performances, before attendees will be invited to march to Mann Island to join the community expo.

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- “Sadly we still have a long way to go to end Violence against Women and Girls in this country. That’s why this awareness-raising day, and the 16 days of campaigning that follow, continue to be crucial dates in my calendar. As Police Commissioner, my priority is to create a safe region for everyone - that means for all women and girls.

“Last year I united with partners to launch a plan for tackling VAWG across our county and we’ve already taken some really positive steps forward to deliver against the actions it sets out, but sadly there is still a very long way to go. That’s why it’s so important we continue to raise awareness of the violence, abuse and harassment women and girls face in our communities every day and we continue to ensure that tackling VAWG remains at the forefront of all our agendas.

“This event is designed to demonstrate our shared, ongoing commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls and I would encourage any organisation which is working end gender-based violence or support those affected to get involved.”
 

A total of 20 stalls will be open to the public, with each table hosting two organisations. If you would like to secure a space, please email:- info@merseysidepcc.info with the name of your organisation and the representatives attending.

Please note, spaces will be allocated on a 1st come, 1st serve basis.