'Protecting women and girls isn't an expense, it's an investment'

A candle-lit vigil is being held in Liverpool city centre to remember women and girls who have lost their lives to male violence in Merseyside. On Monday, November 25, domestic abuse charities will come together to honour victims on International Day International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The event, held outside Liverpool Crown Courts in Derby Square, will make the 35th year of empowering women to live free from abuse and fear. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world.

Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their lives. It is reported that every 11 minutes, a woman is killed and that's why the event is promoting the message: "Protecting women and girls isn't an expense, it's an investment".

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South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service, alongside volunteers and community partners, will be in full attendance at the hour-long vigil, which starts at 5:30 pm.

Director of the charity Rebecca Radcliffe comments: “We’re encouraging as many members of the South Liverpool community as possible to attend the vigil with us. This is to honour the women who have been victims and to empower all women.”

Following the event will be a 16-day activism initiative ending on Tuesday, December 10, International Human Rights Day. The 2024 #NoExcuse campaign focuses on revitalising commitments and calling for accountability and action from decision-makers.