Last year we supported over 1300 women and girls who were experiencing domestic abuse in South Liverpool. In a recent review carried out by Femicide Census (requested by the sector) Merseyside held the title of the worst region for femicide in the UK. Domestic abuse-related killings account for 85% of all femicides in Merseyside.
So, what are we doing to respond to this national emergency? I’m delighted to say that last year we secured funding to develop our services so that we can help anyone who needs us.
SLDAS consists of nine trustees who provide strategic leadership and support to nine staff and up to ten local women who offer their time as volunteer support workers, counsellors and daily office support. Our volunteers are vital to the daily running of the organisation to help us empower women to be free from domestic abuse.
At the back end of last year we were able to extend our service and outreach team, and we appointed a new marketing and communications officer, and we’re delighted to announce that we also have a qualified counsellor on board and launched our counselling service. And, as we look ahead to another busy year of campaigns, we also have a new Chair of the Board of Trustees who joins us with a wealth of experience to drive our activity in 2025.
We have also launched a new fundraising and awareness campaign to help our women and girls. #pauseforthought aims to encourage communities to stop and think about domestic abuse in the home and what they can do to help.
We’ve been here for women impacted by domestic abuse in Liverpool for 25 years and we want to be here for as long as we’re needed. #pauseforthought has several aims including both fundraising for our charity as well as creating greater awareness of domestic abuse and the support services we offer.
One of the major fundraising events we’re putting on is a ‘#pawsforthought’ charity dog walk in Calderstones Park on Sunday 9th March. Registration is from 10.30am and the walk covers around 3km of the park. With a suggested donation of £5 every ‘pawticipant’ will receive a dog bandana. The event takes place the day after International Women’s day and will close a weekend of standing in solidarity with women and girls all around the world facing violence, abuse and fear.
We believe that this year will see a huge stepchange in the way that media reporting of men’s violence is viewed in the wider context of systemic violence – not just a ‘tragic, unpredictable, isolated incident’. Domestic abuse is a national emergency.
I urge you to #pauseforthought and join us in our campaigning against femicide this year. Please get in touch with any of my team if you can volunteer, fundraise or take us on as your charity of the year. Let’s make 2025 a year of #noexcuses!
Many Thanks
Beckie
Rebecca Radcliffe – Director