This week, organisations across the North West are coming together to raise awareness of sexual violence and the support services available to survivors.
The initiative, led by North West Police and Crime Commissioners, police authorities, and sexual assault and abuse services, will take place from 8-14 November 2021.
A new website is also being launched, developed in conjunction with survivors and local organisations, that brings together all of the support services available across the North West region.
Please remember, if you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence you can contact the police direct on 101, or in an emergency call 999.
Liverpool Guild of Students are using the week to promote the support services available at the Guild and University for students, as well as hosting a number of events.
Chloe Field, Deputy President of Liverpool Guild of Students said: “As students are three times more likely to be sexually assaulted than at any other time in their lives and with 1 out every 10 students who identifies as a woman saying that they’ve experienced some form of sexual assault, it is more important than ever to work with organisations and the University to prevent sexual violence and ensure that all students feel safe both on and off campus.
We are proud to be working alongside the Liverpool City Council, local charities and organisations on the North West Sexual Violence Awareness Week, showcasing the support for survivors across the city and empowering students to speak out.
We are also using this week to launch our Reclaim our Campus campaign, aiming to tackling sexual assault and harassment at our University by improving accessibility to reporting and support, equipping students with the tools to be active bystanders and working with the University to create a zero-tolerance campus.
Find out about the support available, come along to an event and reclaim our campus.”
Events
Merseyside Sexual Violence Awareness Event, Thursday, 11 November, 11am-4pm
A dedicated event will be running from 11am-4pm on Thursday, 11 November at Liverpool Guild of Students. The event which will be open to students, as well as the general public, will provide the opportunity to meet with local organisations and community groups who support survivors of sexual violence.
Bystander Training, Thursday, 11 November, 6.30-8pm
The Guild are holding an open Bystander Intervention training session for any student who would like to attend from 6.30-8pm on Thursday, 11 November.
The Bystander Intervention workshop aims to improve your knowledge and understanding of sexual misconduct, other types of misconduct and to encourage you to feel empowered to challenge it. The session explores different approaches to intervention and looks at scenarios to explore barriers and enablers to the types of interventions available. Click here to find out more and book your place.
Reclaim Our Campus Forum, Thursday, 11 November, 3-4pm
Do you have any thoughts about issues relating to sexual violence on our campus, such as the recent spate of spikings on nights out? Join your Deputy President, Chloe Field, at this forum for students who are passionate about ending sexual violence on our campus and have your voice heard by the Guild!
In this session Chloe will give an update on the work she is doing around this issue, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions, make recommendations or get involved with her campaign “Reclaim our Campus”.
Taking place in the Elizabeth Gidney Room, Liverpool Guild of Students.
Brook Webinar Series, various dates
Brook are working with a number of universities across the UK to launch a range of online health & wellbeing talks to ensure students can make healthy and informed choices while at university. This has been particularly important due to lockdown restrictions and concerns that young people have not been accessing sexual health services. Find out more and book your place here.
Support available
- Guild Advice Team – offering free and confidential advice to all students, independent from the University. Appointments are available Monday – Friday, 9am-spm. To book an appointment email guildadvice@liv.ac.uk
- Report & Support – all students are also able to report incidents of sexual and gender-based violence through our Report & Support tool, either anonymously or with contact details.
- Student Support Services – Student Services offer a range of support that includes wellbeing advisors, counsellors and the Mental Health Advisory Service.
Further information
To join in with the campaign or find out more information, visit: https://sexualviolencesupport.co.uk/campaigns/nwsvweek/