Wirral Women and Children's Aid

26/07/2026

16/07/2026

Please sign no one should feel the only way for domestic abuse to stop is to end their life

Kiena's Law: Recognise domestic abuse–related su***de in law

21/06/2026

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jun/21/my-best-friend-killed-by-her-partner

Together my best friend Annabel Rook and I worked to support victims of gender-based violence – until she became one herself. Now I feel like a part of myself has been erased. Why aren’t more people outraged?

20/06/2026

As an ICU nurse, Sally Vickery-Aldred spent her life caring for others during their darkest moments, but behind closed doors, she was living her own nightmare. 🏥💔

When Sally first met Mark Illsley, he seemed like a dream. He was kind, supportive, and treated her like a princess. But slowly, the fairy tale turned into a terrifying reality of coercive control and violence. 😢

Mark became consumed by jealousy. He banned Sally from social media, put a tracker on her car, and kept her awake all night with endless interrogations. He even attacked her proudest achievement, cruelly mocking her weight and her heroic work as a Covid nurse until she felt like a shell of her former self. 💔

The psychological torment soon turned physical. One Valentine’s Day, he ripped Sally’s dress, kicked her out of bed, pinned her against the wall and drenched her with a bucket of cold water. 💔

For a long time, Sally felt trapped, embarrassed, and isolated from the people who loved her. But when her family saw her injuries, the police were called, and the nightmare finally began to end. Recently, Mark Illsley was sentenced to two years and ten months in prison and handed a £228 fine and a 10 year restraining order for his horrific actions. ⚖️✨

Today, Sally is bravely sharing her story to warn others and to reclaim her life. She is healing through running, hiking, and reconnecting with friends, while fundraising for Community Solutions North West to support other survivors. 🌸🏃‍♀️

Sally wants anyone walking on eggshells to know that they are not alone, they are not to blame, and there is a safe way out. Healing is possible, and freedom is waiting on the other side. 🕊️❤️


📸 Focus/Sally Vickery-Aldred

18/06/2026

https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/reform-mp-england-domestic-abuse-women-5Hjdbn9_2/?fbclid=IwdGRjcAShSx1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeq6ov9YKuAOF3cGL_CSUZFG33laXg2IeexgMrnCENtMoJZmy5sTgB3TIngxY_aem_ClYaXurED15MtYlQfdsk4A

It’s always interesting when people discover domestic abuse exists only when it fits a political narrative. Yes, major football tournaments can coincide with an increase in incidents, but the problem was here long before England kicked a ball and will still be here long after the final whistle. The issue isn’t immigration, football results or whatever today’s headline happens to be. It’s perpetrators choosing to abuse, and systems failing to protect victims. Pretending otherwise might make for a catchy soundbite, but it doesn’t make women any safer.

The comments drew backlash on social media including from the Education Minister Bridget Phillipson

18/06/2026

⚽️ While some are watching the score… someone else is watching the clock.

For many of us, football tournaments are about excitement, celebrations and coming together with family and friends. But for others, they bring fear, anxiety and uncertainty. Some people will be hoping the final whistle brings calm, not chaos. Managing moods instead of match stats. Trying to protect children caught in the middle. Walking on eggshells and counting down the minutes until it’s over.
Domestic abuse can increase during major sporting events, the outcome of a match never causes abuse, but it can become another excuse used by those who choose to harm and control.

🚩 WIN OR LOSE, NO RESULT JUSTIFIES ABUSE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.

If this is you, or you’re worried about someone you know, please know that you are not alone and support is available. If we can’t help we will support you to find the right place or person

📞 Refuge Wirral (Wirral Women & Children’s Aid): 0151 634 9766 (Option 2)
📞 National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247

Please share this post. You never know who might need to see it tonight.

❤️

09/06/2026

Exclusive: Analysis shows 72.5% of 91 judgments in England and Wales contained judicial victim-blaming, with mothers scrutinised more intensely