SafeLives statement on Southport attack and subsequent far-right violence

No one should live in fear of abuse or violence, whether in their community or in their home.

Our thoughts are with the families of those girls and women murdered and injured by a young man in Southport and with anyone affected by the racist and Islamophobic violence and disorder which followed this across the UK. We know that there are thousands of minoritised and migrant victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence already living in fear, and this means society’s most vulnerable are being subjected to even further harm, with attacks perpetrated against minoritised communities compounding their trauma.

While this week’s public violence has been designed to be very visible, we also acknowledge the cycles of violence that continue behind closed doors everywhere. Public violence is often mirrored in private environments. There will be perpetrators of domestic abuse now engaging in criminal violence and abuse on our streets. Victims and survivors associated with those perpetrators may also be struggling at this time.

We stand with victims and survivors in all our communities impacted and encourage everyone to reach in to offer support to those who may be affected by domestic abuse.

We stand in solidarity with our dedicated colleagues providing essential support to survivors everywhere, and particularly those supporting minoritised and migrant victims. Where others are seeking to spread fear, these specialist by-and-for services continue to offer vital support, safety and hope to those who may otherwise feel alone or unseen.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, are worried about a friend/family member, or would like more information about spotting the signs of abuse, help is available.