'We Wanna Talk, Hear Us' West Mercia PCC wants to hear from women and girls
The campaign launches a year after the tragic death of Sarah Everard
Last updated 3rd Mar 2022
West Mercia PCC John Campion has launched a campaign to continue highlighting the impact of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) as the country remembers the passing of Sarah Everard a year ago.
'We Wanna Talk, Hear Us' will be focusing on educating, encouraging a societal change, engaging with the community and empowering women and girls.
Mr Campion said: "I personally have never experienced the impact of violence against women and girls, I have never walked in their shoes, feared walking alone, or made changes to my behaviour to make myself feel safer.
"However, I understand the privilege I have as a man to not experience this. But this does not stop me wanting to support and put in place support for women and girls right across West Mercia to make them feel safer."
Deputy PCC Tracey Onslow and Assistant PCC Nicola Lowery will be doing a takeover across March, encouraging women and girls to speak up and others to listen.
They will be out and about across the force area meeting with the VAWG community and giving them a platform to voice their concerns.
As part of the takeover, they will be hosting the Safer West Mercia podcast and speaking to those at the forefront of protecting women's safety.
Some of the speakers featured will be:
- West Mercia Women’s Aid
- West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre
- the domestic abuse lead for West Mercia Police
- Worcestershire’s Women’s Equality Party
- and a brave survivor of non-recent rape
Over the month, visits will also be made to local schools, universities, rehabilitation centres and community groups including boxing and self-defence classes – which have been funded by the PCC.
Mr Campion funds a number of organisations and projects that support VAWG victims, as well as perpetrator initiatives that focus on changing behaviour.
The PCC has also funded over 10,000 personal safety alarms which have been distributed to women and girls across West Mercia.
He added: "This month of raising awareness is not where it starts and stops, I want to encourage a societal change and empower women to be able to continue to live in a safe and secure community.
"Men need to be educated on appropriate behaviour and call out peers on their inappropriate comments and actions. Together we will make a safer West Mercia."
'We Need To Talk About Women's Safety'?
Last year our Bauer Media panel and guests took part in an important discussion on women’s safety and what we can do to implement change. You can view the video below or on Closer's YouTube.
Trigger warning: You might find subjects in this discussion distressing. If you need any help and support you can call the Samaritans on 116 123.
If you need to report instances of harassment or abuse and feel comfortable to do so you can contact the Met Police, Police Scotland or the National Domestic Abuse helpline.