THE voices of victim-survivors will continue to drive the work to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) across Merseyside, following a dedicated forum hosted by the Region’s Police and Crime Commissioner today to listen, learn, and ensure lived experience remains at the heart of future work.

Held on Human Rights Day and marking the end of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism campaign, the event brought together survivors, frontline organisations, and key partners for an open and honest discussion about what has changed, what still needs to improve and how services can work better together.

Alongside the Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, victim-survivors heard from - and had the opportunity to question - senior representatives from Merseyside Police, the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, the Crown Prosecution Service and North West Probation Service, the NHS and the Region’s 5 local authorities about what has been delivered over the past three year since the launch of the region-wide partnership VAWG Delivery Plan.

The leaders provided updates on their progress on the 57 actions set out in the strategy to protect women and girls, prevent violence, pursue offenders, and ensure tackling VAWG remains a top priority across Merseyside.

The forum gave victim-survivors a unique opportunity to speak directly to decision-makers, share their experiences, including the barriers they have faced in gaining justice and support and give their views on priorities for the future.

Survivors were also invited to give their insight on upcoming campaigns and strategies. Their feedback will shape recommendations on prevention, early intervention, cultural change, and support services and directly inform the next phase of the Delivery Plan.

Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell said:- “This forum is about listening. Survivors’ voices have shaped everything we’ve done so far, and they will continue to lead the way. Today was an opportunity to hear directly from those most affected about what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change. I am proud of the progress we’ve made since we launched our ambitious Region-wide strategy 3 years ago. But we hold this forum because it’s vital that we remain accountable and transparent. Over the past 12 months, much has been delivered – from expanding specialist training and launching new support services to creating the 1st Femicide Oversight Group in the country and listening to the voices of women and girls every step of the way. But this isn’t about celebrating achievements; it’s about understanding what still needs to be done. Survivors’ experiences have guided us, and their courage continues to inspire everything we do. We will take the lessons learned and the partnerships we’ve strengthened to shape the next phase of this vital work. Tackling violence against women and girls is a long-term commitment, and together – with survivors’ voices at the heart – we will keep driving forward until every woman and girl in Merseyside can live free from fear.”

Key achievements against the Working in partnership to tackle Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Delivery Plan' presented include:-

• 2,900 officers and staff and more than 5,101 partners have received the Merseyside Violence Reduction Partnership’s trauma informed training to improve their response to victims and better safeguard vulnerable people
• A further 1,800 frontline officers have had domestic abuse training, with 150 dedicated champions in force now, and further specialist training on stalking being delivered with the support of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust
• Launched the first Femicide Oversight Group to examine why women continue to lose their lives to male violence in our Region – and what more can be done to stop it from happening
• 3,782 primary school pupils have been helped to identify inappropriate behaviour through Send me a Selfie programme
• Domestic Abuse Workplace Champion scheme has been refreshed, and 145 new Champions have been trained to better safeguard victims
• New specialist support service for victims of stalking and harassment has been launched
• New regional lead to drive work to tackle Child to Adult or Parent Violence or Abuse
• Increase in positive outcomes in domestic abuse cases & quicker, more effective charging decisions
• Operation Topaz launched sees high risk offenders intercepted on our roads
• Drive launched to tackle inequalities that prevent women & girls getting active
• Published an in-depth review of funding for domestic abuse services setting out 20 key recommendations
• Launched new phases of partnership campaign #TakingAction with Merseyside Police putting the voices of women and girls first, highlighting the red flags of domestic abuse and ripping apart the harmful myths that are used to excuse sexual offences and silence victims.