'Halo Points' launched in Liverpool
They're for anyone who feels unsafe, or at risk, to seek immediate support
Nine 'Halo Points' have been introduced in Liverpool with the aim of improving women's safety.
They are lit-up for anyone who feels unsafe, or at risk, to seek immediate help or reassurance.
Merseyside Police say their visibility will act as a deterrent to offenders, whilst making sure those who need help can get it quickly and discreetly.
Each point offers direct contact with 999 and will be linked to City Watch CCTV, so VAWG champions or police officers can intervene quickly and help anyone feeling vulnerable or in distress.
VAWG champions are venue staff specially trained by Merseyside Police to recognise vulnerability, challenge harmful behaviour, and respond effectively to incidents such as spiking. They have distinctive armbands for people to recognise them.
These 'Halo Points' have been introduced off the back of a Strategic Threat Risk Assessment carried out in 2023, which highlighted that violence against women and girls is most likely to happen in busy nightlife areas, town centres and areas of high footfall.
Constable Frank Stevens, Merseyside Police, who came up with the idea, said:
"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.
"This work would not be possible without the commitment of our partners, and we would like to thank Liverpool City Council, in particular the Highways team, whose support has been vital in identifying locations, ensuring the Halo Points are clearly visible and accessible.
"Alongside our VAWG Champions already working across venues, this partnership approach is helping us build a stronger culture of safety across Liverpool’s night time economy."
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said:
"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.
"Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for me, and Operation Halo shows the difference strong partnership working can make. By combining Halo Points with trained VAWG Champions and CCTV coverage, we are strengthening prevention, deterrence, and support, and making it clear that harmful behaviour will not be tolerated.
"I’m grateful to the officers, council teams and partners who have helped bring this innovative initiative to life. Together, we are Taking Action to make our city centre even safer and make sure more people, particularly women and girls, can enjoy a night out in Liverpool."
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene at Liverpool City Council, said:
"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.
"These new Halo Points reinforce our shared commitment to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the city with confidence. No matter what concerns someone may have, they can be assured that there will always be someone available to help and to keep them safe."
The nine points are located at:
- Wood Street/Hanover Street
- Slater Street/Wood Street
- St Peter's Square
- Seel Street (near Alcatraz)
- Slater Street/Seel Street
- Mathew Street/Stanley Street
- North John Street/Mathew Street
- Stanley Street/Dale Street
- Temple Court/Victoria Street