MERSEYSIDE Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, has launched Halo Points as part of Operation Halo, marking the next phase of the initiative to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and better protect people across Liverpool’s night‑time economy.

Halo Points are clearly identifiable, designated safe spaces located across key locations within Liverpool City Centre. There are 9 points in total, which are well-lit and highly visible. They provide a place where anyone who feels unsafe, or at risk can seek immediate support, reassurance and practical help. Their visibility acts as a deterrent to offenders, while ensuring those who need help can access it quickly and discreetly. Each point will offer direct contact with emergency services via 999 and will be linked to City Watch CCTV, offering immediate reassurance and rapid intervention by VAWG champions or police officers for anyone feeling vulnerable or in distress.

The launch builds on the earlier introduction of VAWG Champions, who are already embedded across venues and trained to recognise vulnerability, challenge harmful behaviour and respond effectively to incidents such as spiking.

The development of Halo Points follows a Strategic Threat Risk Assessment carried out in 2023, which highlighted that VAWG offences are most likely to occur in busy nightlife areas, town centres and high-footfall locations. Operation Halo has been designed to address this risk through joined-up working between police, Liverpool City Council and licensed premises within the night-time economy.

The initiative is being funded by the Hyper-Local Policing Fund, awarded by the Home Office and secured by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, and Merseyside Police.

Constable Frank Stevens, Merseyside Police, who came up with the idea, said:- “The launch of Halo Points is a significant step forward in our work to tackle violence against women and girls and to keep people safe during a night out in Liverpool. These highly visible points provide immediate reassurance and access to support for anyone who feels vulnerable, while acting as a strong deterrent to offenders. This work would not be possible without the commitment of our partners, and we would like to thank Liverpool City Council, in particular the Highways team, whose support has been vital in identifying locations, ensuring the Halo Points are clearly visible and accessible. Alongside our VAWG Champions already working across venues, this partnership approach is helping us build a stronger culture of safety across Liverpool’s night‑time economy.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said:- “Everyone deserves to feel safe when enjoying Liverpool’s night‑time economy, and Halo Points are a clear, practical step towards making that happen. These highly visible safe spaces will provide reassurance and rapid access to help for anyone who feels vulnerable or at risk while out in the City. Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for me, and Operation Halo shows the difference strong partnership working can make. By combining Halo Points with trained VAWG Champions and CCTV coverage, we are strengthening prevention, deterrence, and support, and making it clear that harmful behaviour will not be tolerated. I’m grateful to the officers, council teams and partners who have helped bring this innovative initiative to life. Together, we are Taking Action to make our City centre even safer and make sure more people, particularly women and girls, can enjoy a night out in Liverpool.”

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene at Liverpool City Council said:- “Liverpool is already recognised as 1 of the safest Cities for a night out, as demonstrated by our Purple Flag status. Even so, we remain committed to ending violence against women and girls in our City. These new Halo Points reinforce our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the City with confidence. No matter what concerns someone may have, they can be assured that there will always be someone available to help and to keep them safe.”

By launching Halo Points and expanding the network of trained VAWG Champions, Merseyside Police and partners are continuing to build a culture of safety across Liverpool’s night-time economy, ensuring more people, particularly women and girls, can enjoy a safer night out.