VAWG - Liverpool Express

Setting the Record Straight: Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Violence Against Women and Girls.

Public discussion about the safety of women and girls has increasingly been linked to migration, but these conversations are not always well‑informed.

It is natural as residents to feel concerned when you hear reports about safety in your neighbourhoods. These concerns are justified as violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a real and urgent issue in the UK. Research shows that 97% of women aged 18 to 24 have experienced some form of sexual harassment in public, and ONS data indicates that almost one in three women aged 16 to 59 will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. These figures highlight a serious, deeply rooted issue affecting women and girls across our communities.

At the centre of this are survivors, whose experiences must be believed, respected and supported. Protecting them means acting on evidence, supporting specialist services and holding perpetrators to account.

As a Council, we have a responsibility to provide clear information, challenge misinformation and maintain trust.

Here are some of the most common Myths and the Truth about them:

Asylum seekers are not vetted and pose a risk to women and girls

People seeking asylum undergo security and identity checks by the Home Office, including fingerprinting and checks against national and international databases to assess for criminality, terrorism, and war crimes. They are subject to UK law at all times.

If an individual commits an offence, they can be arrested and prosecuted like anyone else. A criminal conviction can affect their immigration status and may lead to removal from the UK.

Asylum seekers are responsible for a rise in violence against women and girls

There is no evidence in the Office for National Statistics (ONS) data that asylum seekers are responsible for any rise in violence against women and girls (VAWG). VAWG is a systemic issue perpetrated by men and occurs across all communities and backgrounds.

The majority of sexual offences are committed by men known to the victim, most often partners or ex-partners, not strangers. Our focus is on preventing all violence, holding all perpetrators to account and supporting all victims, regardless of background.

I see posts online about asylum seekers harassing women, so it must be true

Many social media posts are unverified and misleading. Incidents are often shared without evidence, context or police confirmation.

While some claims are later corrected, the harm to community trust is often already done. Before believing and sharing any social media post, look for official information from Merseyside Police. Relying on unconfirmed “hearsay” online turns rumours into unnecessary fear.

I read of an allegation that involves an asylum seeker, the whole group is dangerous

It’s understandable that shocking headlines or allegations can cause concern. But one offender does not represent an entire population, and treating it as such leads to harmful and inaccurate assumptions. There is no evidence in National Statistics (ONS) data that asylum seekers are responsible for a rise in violence against women and girls (VAWG). The ONS does not identify asylum seekers or any immigration group as drivers of these trends.

Police‑recorded sexual offences have increased over the long term, but this rise is linked to improvements in reporting and recording, not migration patterns. Victims are more willing to come forward, and police forces have strengthened how these crimes are logged.

Asylum seeking men from cultures that don’t respect women

VAWG occurs in every society, at every income level and across all cultural and religious groups. Suggesting that certain backgrounds make people more likely to commit violence is not supported by evidence and reinforces harmful stereotypes. (ONS) data that asylum seekers are responsible for any rise in violence against women and girls (VAWG). VAWG is a systemic issue perpetrated by men and occurs across all communities and backgrounds.

The strongest predictor of VAWG is not nationality or culture, but gender, with men making up the majority of perpetrators worldwide, regardless of where they come from.

If asylum seekers didn’t move here, we wouldn’t have these problems

VAWG is a longstanding issue in the UK and in societies around the world.

If even one asylum seeker commits abuse, it proves they shouldn’t be here

No group is free from offenders. Not men born in the UK, not long‑term residents, not people in positions of trust. Perpetrators exist everywhere. Holding asylum seekers to a different standard from everyone else is unfair and inconsistent. One person’s actions should never be used to condemn an entire community.

Asylum seekers are all ‘fighting‑age’ men

Asylum seekers include women, men and children of all ages. Globally, women and children make up a substantial proportion of displaced people fleeing war, persecution, trafficking, political violence, sexual violence and other threats.

Why is it always men coming through the boats?

Most people on small boats are men because the routes are extremely dangerous and families usually send the person most likely to survive first. Many later reunite with their wives and children through safer legal family‑reunion routes.

Challenging rumours means ignoring women’s safety?

We can take women’s safety seriously while also insisting on accurate information. Challenging misinformation does not dismiss survivors. Using unverified allegations to target specific groups doesn’t make women safer. It creates panic and makes it harder for police to focus on investigation. True safety means supporting all victims and holding all offenders accountable.

Violence against women and girls is a crime. Anyone who commits it should be reported and held to account, regardless of who they are or where they come from. Blaming communities does not prevent harm. Reporting perpetrators and supporting survivors does.

Liverpool’s stance is clear. Violence is never tolerated, and the law applies equally to everyone. Women and girls must be able to access help safely, confidently and without fear of being judged.

Need help?

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. You can call 999 without speaking, then press 55 when prompted to let police know you need help.

You can also access confidential support without involving the police.

Victim Care Merseyside has support for women and girls, including drop-in, referral and outreach services.

Freephone: 0808 175 3080
Website: https://www.victimcaremerseyside.org/contact/request-support/

For training on how to be an effective bystander, visit https://www.suzylamplugh.org/anti-harassment-training

No one should face violence alone. By standing against abuse, challenging misinformation and supporting survivors, we can continue working together to make Liverpool a safer city for women and girls.

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