16 days of activism across Liverpool to end gender-based violence

The 16 days of activism begins on 25 November to 10 December 2023 

The UNITE to End Violence against Women initiative is a multiyear effort to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls around the world. 

There are events happening across campus and the city to get involved in: 

#NoExcuseForAbuseMarch with Savera UK

Saturday 25 November, 1.45pm to 3pm, Williamson Square Liverpool City Centre 

A march will take place throughout Liverpool on Saturday 25 November with Savera UK and Zonta International to raise awareness of ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA) and harmful practices. There will be drumming, dancing and other performances, and those marching will also hear from survivors of gender-based violence. Anyone can join the march and the buildings of Liverpool City Centre will also be lit up in orange in support of the cause. 

Find out more and join the march.

16 days of activism event at LJMU

Wednesday 6 December, 2pm to 4pm, room 207 Student Life Building 

All students and staff are invited along to LJMU’s own event to end gender-based violence. The event is open to all and will include: 

• Director of Student Advice and Wellbeing, Yvonne Turnbull, outlining LJMU’s new report and support tool and safeguarding work. 

• A talk from Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner about what is happening in the city, followed by a Q&A 

• Details from JMSU about the Nighttime Guardian Scheme 

• Amanda Mannion from the HR team will speak about the Domestic Abuse Champions available across campus 

• The Diversity and Inclusion Team will discuss ongoing support and training for staff 

• SAW’s Sexual Violence Liaison Officer will explain their role, how they support students, alongside LJMU’s University Police Officer Martin Triggs. 

The event will also see stalls outlining the support from Student Advice and Wellbeing for students, and HR support for staff. There will also be Brink mocktails and refreshments provided. Dr Amanda Atkinson from the Public Health Institute will also be exhibiting her work and research on gender-based violence.  

Students and staff can register for the event here.

Culture, ‘honour’-based abuse and the Law

Friday 8 December, 2pm, Student Life Building UG16-17 

As part of the 16 days of activism, the Diversity and Inclusion team and Savera are hosting an event titled: “Culture, ‘honour’-based abuse and the Law” which will see human rights lawyer Dexter Dias KC, Savera UK survivor ambassador and IKWRO campaigner, Payzee Mahmod, Dr Hannah Baumeister from LJMU and other guests discuss culture, HBA and the legal system, what the justice system has achieved and what needs to change. Students, staff and the wider community can register to attend here. 

Ongoing events: Savera UK  

Savera UK has many events ongoing throughout the 16 days of activism and onwards. The charity will visit LJMU on 1 February 2024 to deliver a second session on “Understanding cultural differences, sensitivity, and harmful practices” following an insightful afternoon earlier this November. Students and staff can find out more or sign up to the event here. 

To find out more about the Savera UK events happening between 25 November and 10 December 2023 and their #NoExcuseForAbuse campaign, visit the Savera UK website.

Need support regarding sexual violence or gender-based violence? 

Student support: 

There are many different ways for students to access support: 

• Report and Support: LJMU has a report and support tool for students, staff or any visitors to campus to report any incidents of hate crime, harassment or sexual misconduct. You can choose to report and get support or report anonymously.  

• Speak to our Sexual Violence Liaison Team: LJMU has a number of specially-trained staff (SVLA) within Student Advice and Wellbeing Services who can provide you with appropriate information and advice. They work closely with local agencies Safe Place and RASA to provide support to students who have experienced an incidence of sexual violence. Find out more or speak to a Sexual Violence Liaison Officer. 

• University Police Officer: PC Martin Triggs is our university police officer and is accessible to any student who wishes to discuss any issues they may be facing, their experience in or outside of university, reporting a crime or asking for guidance. Drop-in sessions with Martin are every Monday, Thursday and Friday 10-12 at the JMSU Advice Room in the Student Life Building. Or you can email Martin directly. 

• John Moores Students’ Union Advice Service: JMSU also has its own advice service, open to all students. You can find out more here. 

Staff support: 

• We have signed up to the Domestic Abuse workplace scheme, training workplace champions and providing support to peers across the institution. Contact  Amanda Mannion for further information.  

• We also provide support for staff regarding mental health, physical, financial or personal issues via our confidential helpline, 24/7,365 days a year. You can find out further details or call our confidential helpline here.   

• Support can also be provided by a staff member's Human Resources Business Partner or line manager. 

Other organisations offering external support: 

Sexual Assault Support: 

• SAFEPlace Merseyside, The Sexual Assault Referral Centre 0151 295 3550, offers forensic medical examination services for both males and females who have been sexually assaulted 

• RASA Merseyside Sexual Violence Services 0151 558 1801, offers support including access to Independent Sexual Violence Advisors, Counselling, and information and advice 

Domestic, ‘honour’ or other abuse: 

• LDAS Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service, offers support to women experiencing domestic abuse 0151 263 7474 

• Paul Lavelle Foundation, offers support for males in Liverpool affected by domestic abuse Support Line: 0151 651 3777 | General Enquiries: 0151 294 4176 

• SAVERA offers support for 'honour' abuse and harmful practices Liverpool 

• Paladin is the National Stalking Advocacy Service offering support to high-risk victims of stalking 020 3866 4107