The fight to end violence against women and girls

Today marks the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence - an issue I care deeply about.

- Chris Webb MP for Blackpool South

In Blackpool five projects tackling this problem year round have been given a boost with money seized from criminals.

Projects have received up to £5,000 to prevent violence, support survivors and create safer spaces for women and girls across our town.

Fylde Coast Women's Aid is using its funding to deliver trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support for black, Asian and minority ethnic women and girls affected by violence; and the Birchall Trust is growing its Wellbeing Programme for adult survivors of rape, sexual abuse and exploitation.

Both give women space to recover, rebuild and take back control of their lives.