On 25th November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and also marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Macc convened a Voluntary Sector Assembly (VSA) focused on creating a collective response to sexual violence in Manchester. Given that sexual violence is a pervasive issue and a major public health concern, affecting the lifelong health and opportunities of thousands in Manchester and millions nationally and globally, the need for an inclusive, cross-sector response is more urgent than ever.
The aim of the event was to specifically bring into the spotlight the experiences of male victims, individuals from LGBTQ+ community and women from minority ethnic backgrounds—particularly those who are refugees and asylum seekers. Less than two years ago, our colleagues at Macc organised a similar event showcasing the experiences of women and girls. The November VSA served as a natural progression from that event, providing an opportunity to amplify the often-overlooked voices of victims and survivors from these groups.