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Merseyside Police, together with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Liverpool City Council, unveiled Halo Points on Wednesday, 6 May. This initiative is part of Operation Halo, aimed at addressing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and enhancing safety within Liverpool’s night-time economy. The introduction of these designated safe spaces is a key step in improving protection for residents and visitors during busy evening hours.
Halo Points are easily recognizable safe zones situated in prominent areas throughout Liverpool City Centre. There are nine such locations, each equipped with bright lighting and clear visibility. These points serve as immediate havens for individuals who feel threatened or unsafe, offering practical support and reassurance. Additionally, their presence acts as a preventative measure against potential offenders. Every Halo Point is linked to emergency services through 999 and connected to City Watch CCTV cameras. This ensures that trained VAWG champions or police officers can quickly respond to anyone in distress or vulnerable in these areas.
This launch builds upon the existing network of VAWG Champions who work within venues across the city. These champions are specialized in spotting signs of vulnerability, challenging inappropriate conduct, and responding to incidents like spiking. The establishment of Halo Points follows a 2023 Strategic Threat Risk Assessment, which identified that offences related to VAWG most commonly occur in lively nightlife districts, town centres, and other crowded spaces. Operation Halo was specifically created to confront these risks through collaborative efforts among police, local authorities, and licensed venues.
The funding for this project comes from the Hyper-Local Policing Fund provided by the Home Office, secured by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, alongside Merseyside Police. Constable Frank Stevens, who conceived the idea, highlighted the significance of the launch: “The launch of Halo Points is a significant step forward in our work to tackle violence against women and girls and to keep people safe during a night out in Liverpool. These highly visible points provide immediate reassurance and access to support for anyone who feels vulnerable, while acting as a strong deterrent to offenders.” He also expressed thanks to Liverpool City Council’s Highways team for their essential role in identifying locations and ensuring the points are accessible and noticeable, noting the importance of strong partnerships in fostering a safer culture in Liverpool’s night-time environment.
Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell emphasized the value of the initiative: “Everyone deserves to feel safe when enjoying Liverpool’s night‑time economy, and Halo Points are a clear, practical step towards making that happen. These highly visible safe spaces will provide reassurance and rapid access to help for anyone who feels vulnerable or at risk while out in the city.” She added that combining Halo Points with VAWG Champions and CCTV strengthens prevention, deterrence, and support, affirming a zero-tolerance stance on harmful behavior. Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods, and Streetscene, Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, reinforced this commitment: “Liverpool is already recognised as one of the safest cities for a night out, as demonstrated by our Purple Flag status. Even so, we remain committed to ending violence against women and girls in our city.” She highlighted the reassurance Halo Points offer to those with safety concerns, ensuring help is always available.
By expanding safe spaces and training more VAWG Champions, Merseyside Police and their partners are further strengthening the safety network across Liverpool’s nightlife hubs. This initiative is designed to make nights out safer, particularly for women and girls, contributing to a more secure and welcoming city atmosphere after dark
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
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