4,000+ voices sparked action - now women and girls are being asked to have their say on safety again
14.09.26 - Merseyside
Women and girls across Merseyside are being urged to help shape the next phase of action against violence and abuse by taking part in a major new survey on safety.
Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell have today launched a new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) consultation to hear about women and girls’ experiences and views on how safe they feel where they live, work and socialise.
The survey follows a landmark consultation carried out in 2023, which received more than 4,000 responses from women and girls across Merseyside.
The insights gathered from that consultation directly shaped the police and PCC’s joint Taking Action campaign. Since its launch in 2024, the campaign has sent a clear message to perpetrators on issues including domestic abuse, stalking, rape myths, sexual violence, child sexual abuse and technology-enabled abuse, while also raising awareness of support and services to help those affected. Every phase of the campaign has been informed by the views of victim-survivors.
Three years on, Merseyside Police and the PCC want to understand whether experiences and perceptions have changed, identify any emerging concerns and ensure future activity continues to reflect the lived experiences of women and girls across Merseyside.
The survey includes questions about women and girls’ feelings of safety in public spaces and online, confidence in reporting incidents, experiences of violence and awareness of support services and campaigns.
Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: "The voices of women and girls have been at the heart of our response to violence against women and girls across Merseyside and they will continue to drive everything we do.
"When more than 4,000 women and girls responded to our survey in 2023, they painted a stark picture of the reality many face every day. Too many told us they had changed their behaviour, altered their routines or felt unsafe simply because they were women.
"We listened and we acted. Their experiences directly shaped our Taking Action campaign and wider work with partners to prevent violence and abuse, challenge perpetrators, improve support for victims and make our communities safer.
"But ending violence against women and girls is not a challenge that can be solved quickly or easily. While progress has been made, we know many women and girls still do not feel as safe, whether they are walking home, socialising with friends, travelling on public transport or spending time online.
"I am absolutely determined that we will keep listening, keep learning and keep taking action. That's why I'm urging women and girls from every part of Merseyside to take a few minutes to complete this survey. Tell us about your experiences, tell us what concerns you and tell us what more needs to be done.
"Every response matters. The more we understand, the better equipped we will be to target our efforts, hold perpetrators to account and create a Merseyside where every woman and girl feels safe, respected and free to live their life without fear."
Merseyside Police’s Paul Lamb said: "Violence against women and girls remains one of our key priorities and listening to the voices of women and girls is vital if we are to tackle the behaviours and issues that affect their safety."
"The information gathered through this survey will help us understand how experiences and perceptions may have changed since 2023 and where we need to focus our resources and preventative work."
"We want women and girls from every community across Merseyside to take part, whether they have personal experiences to share or simply want to tell us how safe they feel in their day-to-day lives."
"The more people who take part, the richer the picture we can build and the better equipped we will be to work with partners to make Merseyside a safer place for everyone."
The survey is anonymous and confidential and takes approximately 12 minutes to complete.
Women and girls of all ages from across Merseyside are encouraged to take part.
Complete the survey by Sunday 11th October here