Safety Net Stands in Solidarity with Victims and Survivors: A Call for Compassion and Action

Our hearts are heavy with grief for the devastated families following the horrific attack on children attending a holiday dance class in Southport on Monday, 29th July, which claimed the lives of three young girls: Alice da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Bebe King. This tragedy should have been a time for national reflection and compassion as we confront yet another act of violence against women and girls.

However, the moment has been overshadowed by far-right violence, fuelled by systemic issues and divisive leadership. This tragic event has triggered deep psychological scars, contributing to a collective trauma that affects us all. The civil disorder and incitements to racial and Islamophobic violence are particularly re-traumatising for the refugee and asylum-seeking populations we support, as well as for other clients who feel vicariously attacked.

At Safety Net, we stand in unwavering support of all victims and survivors in our communities, especially those in marginalised groups across Cumbria. We remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting a more tolerant, inclusive, and anti-racist society. The recent public acts of violence are a direct affront to our values of safety and inclusivity.

We also recognise that the violence we witness in public often mirrors the abuse that occurs behind closed doors. If you are experiencing abuse, please know that you are not alone. Safety Net is here to support you. We encourage anyone in need to reach out to us or visit our website for more information and resources.

Together, we can work towards creating a safer, more compassionate community for everyone.