Vigil in support of those who’ve experienced sexual violence held in Liverpool

A vigil has been held to honour and remember those who have experienced sexual violence in Liverpool.

It’s part of a week of action where organisations across the North West are coming together to raise awareness of the problem and the support services available to survivors.

RASA (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) led the vigil, which was held at the bombed out church illuminated with candlelight created a warm atmosphere for the large turnout. Attendees took it in turns to read out personal experiences, poetry and survivor statements.

Emma Walker from RASA said: “RASA covers Liverpool, Sefton and the Wirral, so it’s coming together and just having that moment with people who are survivors, people who have been subjected to sexual violence and anybody who has been impacted by it so family members or even perpetrators families.

“I was on the stage for quite a bit of it, and just to look out and see everybody here just means so much to our community, to the Liverpool community, to anybody who’s in Merseyside and to anyone who’s been subjected to sexual violence.

“It’s showing that there are people out there that care.”

What the Police Commissioner had to say

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell, who took to the stage at the vigil, spoke to LiverpoolWorld earlier in the week about the work she’s doing surrounding safety and particularly around the reported rise in spikings.

She said, “I’m continuing to monitor the reports that are coming in, and I know the police have a dedicated team that are looking specifically at this issue.

“We have seen a worrying rise in reports of spiking, so they’re really doing everything they can to proactively identify individuals who might be targeting vulnerable women in particular.

“But also making sure that if people are reporting, there’s support in place and they’re doing the investigation to try and figure out what’s going on.”