16 days of activism to combat violence against women and girls begin this Saturday, 25 November and run until 10 December.
The campaign was started by activists in 1991 and is supported by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Local events
There are a range of events happening in Liverpool during this period for you to get involved with.
Saturday 25 November
Savera UK Liverpool City Centre March to End ‘Honour’-based Abuse
Join this march that aims to raise awareness of ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices, starting at Williamson Square in Liverpool City Centre and ending at Mann Island. There will be speeches from survivors, drumming, dance and poetry performances, and a chance to learn about the ‘One Chance Rule’.
Based in Liverpool, Savera UK works to raise awareness of ‘Honour’-based Abuse and other harmful practices, educating people on the signs of HBA, their consequences for victims and campaigns to change attitudes and influence policy that will end these practices for good.
Location: starts at Williamson Square
Approx timings: 1:45 – 3:15pm
Monday 27 November
RASA Merseyside Women’s Circle
RASA (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) Merseyside is a professional counselling and support service that exists solely to improve the mental and physical well-being of individuals impacted by sexual violence at some point in their lives.
On Monday, 27 November, you’re invited to join their empowering Women’s Circle. What to expect: connect with a supportive community of women, engage in meaningful discussions and activities and share stories and experiences if you would like to. RASA’s Women’s Circle is open to all women who believe in the importance of ending violence and empowering women and girls.
Location: Unit 2/4 Stella Nova, Washington Parade L20 4TZ
Time: 10am – 12pm
To book a place, please contact lorraine.wood@rasamerseyside.org
Tuesday 28 November
Savera UK HBA and Harmful Practices Awareness Session
Liverpool-based charity Savera UK is hosting a free online ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and Harmful Practice Awareness Session as part of it’s “Culture Is Beautiful: No Excuse for Abuse” campaign during these 16 days of activism against gender-based violence and abuse.
Location: online – register on Savera’s website
Time: 12pm
Wednesday 6 December
RASA Merseyside Empowering Shared reading session
Join this group reading of an empowering piece of women’s literature with space to reflect on and discuss. It’s your choice whether to read aloud or just listen – the idea is to create a space where you feel at ease. Reading the literature aloud in real-time means that everyone is involved in a shared, live experience. You’ll have the chance to respond personally, sharing feelings, thoughts and memories provoked by the reading if you wish.
Location: Unit 2/4 Stella Nova, Washington Parade L20 4TZ
Time: 10am – 11am
To book a place, please contact Jessica.traverse@rasamersyside.org
RASA Merseyside Self-compassion workshop
This is a great opportunity to understand more about compassion-focused therapy and how it can help you. There will be a meditation around self-compassion and an activity to practice showing compassion towards ourselves.
Location: Unit 2/4 Stella Nova, Washington Parade L20 4TZ
Time: 2 – 3pm
To book a place, please contact Jessica.traverse@rasamersyside.org
***********************
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.
************************
Specialist support for sexual violence
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)
SARCs offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been sexually assaulted, recently or in the past. In Liverpool, SAFE Place Merseyside provides this specialist support including crisis support. They work in liaison with Merseyside Police but if you’ve experienced sexual violence and do not want to go to the police, you can self-refer yourself to SAFE Place Merseyside.
Counselling
RASA (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) Merseyside offer specialist counselling for survivors and run an information line. The Centre also provides access to Independent Sexual Violence Advisors who are trained to advise and support survivors and act as links to further specialist support.
Reporting
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.
Report+Support
Report+Support is an online tool for students and staff to report bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, hate crime, assault or discrimination. We understand that reporting an incident can be daunting, so you can choose to report anonymously. If you choose to leave your contact details, this will not instigate a formal complaints process. An advisor will call you to offer support and advice. Any information you provide will remain confidential unless we believe there is a serious threat to a person’s safety.
Student Conduct Team
Where there has been a formal report of bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, hate crime, assault or discrimination made against a student, our experienced team are here to ensure any investigations are carried out using a trauma informed approach. Our aim is to deal with formal reports in a timely manner, with due care and consideration given to the students involved.
University Support Services
Wellbeing Team
Our experienced Wellbeing Practitioners are here to offer non-judgmental support and advice. Complete a brief triage form and they will contact you within three working days.
If you would like to speak to a counsellor right now, round-the-clock support is available via Health Assured. A translation line is available for students who would prefer to speak in their first language if is not English. Call the freephone number 0800 028 3766.
Chaperone Service
The Campus Support Team offer a 24/7 chaperone service. They are happy to escort any student around campus to ensure you feel safe. You can contact the team on 0151 794 3252.
Guild Advice
The Guild’s Advice Team offer free and confidential advice to all students. They are independent from the University and can support you with non-judgemental advice and guidance. Contact guildadvice@liverpool.ac.uk to book an appointment.
Other Organisations
Samaritans – a 24/7 listening service
Telephone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Survivors UK – support for male survivors
www.survivorsuk.org
Telephone: 0845 122 1201 (Mon, Tues, Thurs 7-10pm)
Galop – for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime and other forms of abuse
www.galop.org.uk/
Telephone: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk
National Women’s Aid – for women experiencing domestic abuse
www.womensaid.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 2000 247 (24 hour helpline)
Men’s Advice Line – for men experiencing domestic abuse
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 801 0327 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service – for women and girls experiencing domestic abuse
www.liverpooldomesticabuseservice.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 084 2744 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-3pm)
Revenge Porn Helpline – for those experiencing intimate image abuse
www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Telephone: 0345 6000 459 (Mon-Fri 10am-6pm)
National Stalking Helpline – for those experiencing stalking
www.suzylamplugh.org/refer-someone-to-us
Telephone: 0808 802 0300 (Mon & Wed 9.30am-8pm, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9.30am – 4pm)
Sexual Health Clinics
www.axess.clinic/find-service/axess-services-liverpool/