Violence against women and girls

Women and girls in Knowsley have the right to expect to feel, and be safe within the community in which they live. Sadly, we know this is not always the case and as a result Knowsley Council and its partners are heavily involved in work to reduce incidents of violence against women and girls. This can include domestic abuse but also coercive controlling behaviour, honour-based abuse, revenge porn, sexual violence, stalking and modern slavery.

As part of its commitment the Council has commissioned specialist training to educate young people on the importance of preventing violence against women and girls.

Delivered by local charity, CELLS (Choices Education Lifelong Learning Skills), secondary schools across the borough have received the training. The sessions form part of a wider programme of activity in Knowsley that addresses the safety of women and girls at night. This extensive programme of activity is funded by almost £190,000 from the Home Office.

A number of other initiatives are also being delivered in the Borough to raise awareness of this important issue including:

Ask for Angela

The Ask for Angela scheme invites women to ask for ‘Angela’ if they feel unsafe when on a night out –  bar, restaurant, taxi companies and security staff in Huyton Village Centre and Prescot and Kirkby Town Centres will then be able to help. Read more about the scheme here. 

Local policing

Significantly the funding is being used to increase policing resources, specifically during the evening in Huyton, Prescot and Kirkby where there is a growing night-time economy.

How to report

If you have any information or concerns regarding violence against woman and girls, call 999 in an emergency or alternatively ring the police on 101. 

You can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the Crime and Communities Team on safer.knowsley@knowsley.gov.uk.