Savera UK is today welcoming the news of a new three-year strategy launched by Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson to tackle violence against women and girls.
Liverpool City Council says the strategy outlines gaps in the current services and aims to bring the city to a position where there is an emphasis on prevention.
It is understood the strategy also takes into account those who are at risk of ‘honour’-based abuse, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and other harmful practices.
Afrah Qassim, CEO and Founder of Savera UK, said: “We welcome the launch of the Mayor’s new three-year strategy to tackle violence and abuse, including ‘honour’-based abuse, female genital mutilation and forced marriage, against women and girls.
“Savera UK looks forward to supporting her plans and working collaboratively with the city council, statutory and voluntary services across the city, to tackle the root causes of these issues, support survivors and those at risk and enact lasting change that will create a safer city for women and girls.”
About the strategy, Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, said: “Tackling violence against women and girls is a political priority for me – the statistics are really worrying and we simply have to do more.
“It takes real courage for victims and survivors to come forward, but there are currently inconsistencies in the service they receive.
“Furthermore, the organisations that provide vital services have been living from year-to-year because of the way funding is handed out, so we need to find a way to give them long-term stability.
“This strategy is not a panacea: it is a starting point to consult and engage with stakeholders, charitable and voluntary organisations involved in dealing with the issue.
“It’s the first stage in the process of what we plan to do, outlining Liverpool’s ambitions to end gender-based violence and recognising how we can all work together to achieve these aims.
“The strategy is not set in stone, and changes will be made as we move forward and come together as a city to deliver the change that is needed.”