Poignant Blue Shoes exhibition to come to Liverpool for PCC's Elimination of VAWG community event

A poignant and striking exhibition highlighting the devastating impact of violence against women and girls will be displayed in:- Liverpool City Centre this November as part of a major community awareness event hosted by the:- Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Community Event will take place on:- Wednesday, 25 November 2026, marking the:- International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Held in Williamson Square, from:- 12pm to 3pm, the event will bring together local organisations, support Services and campaigners to raise awareness, offer advice and encourage action to tackle violence against women and girls.

At the heart of this year's event will be the:- Blue Shoes Exhibition, an impactful installation featuring:- 150 pairs of blue shoes, each representing a life believed to have been lost to domestic abuse related suicide in 2025.  The colour blue symbolises both feelings of depression:- 'feeling blue,' and the lasting impact of lives lost.

Created by:- Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) and Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw and painted by:- Fylde Coast Women's Aid (FCWA), the exhibition supports the campaign for Kiena's Law, which seeks stronger accountability where domestic abuse has contributed to a person's death.

The campaign was inspired by the tragic death of Kiena Dawes, whose experience highlighted the devastating and often hidden consequences of domestic abuse and prompted calls for legislative change.

Alongside the exhibition, community organisations and specialist support Services from across Merseyside will be available throughout the afternoon to engage with members of the public, provide information and highlight the help available for anyone affected by:- abuse, harassment, stalking, sexual violence or harmful practices. A Mobile Police Station will also be on hand in case anyone wishes to make a disclosure or access support from the Police.

An advertising van and digital display screens will also feature powerful messages from the PCC and Merseyside Police's ongoing:- 'Taking Action' campaign, which aims to raise awareness of:- domestic abuse, stalking, rape and sexual assault, challenge harmful attitudes and myths, and encourage victims and survivors to seek support.

The event forms part of Emily Spurrell's ongoing work across Merseyside to challenge attitudes that enable violence against women and girls, support victims and survivors, and ensure perpetrators are held to account. Later in the day, at:- 5.30pm, a candlelit vigil will also be held in:- Derby Square memory of all the women and girls who have lost their lives to male violence across Merseyside.

Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner said:- "Every pair of shoes in the Blue Shoes Exhibition represents a life lost and a family left grieving. It is a powerful and heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact domestic abuse can have, not only on victims but on everyone who loves them. Too often, the links between domestic abuse, trauma and suicide remain hidden and misunderstood. That's why I am so pleased that we are bringing the Blue Shoes Exhibition to Liverpool as part of this year's Violence Against Women and Girls Community Event."

She continued:- "The exhibition provides a powerful opportunity for people to reflect on the lives lost to domestic abuse-related suicide, while shining a light on the growing call for Kiena's Law. Alongside the exhibition, people will be able to meet local support organisations, learn more about our ongoing Taking Action campaign and find out what help is available for those affected by abuse. Whether you want to learn more about the support available, speak to local organisations, or simply take a moment to reflect on the powerful messages within the exhibition, I would encourage you to come along. Together, we can help drive the change that is needed and show anyone affected by abuse that support is available and that they are not alone."

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Lamb, Head of Public Protection Unit, Merseyside Police said:- "The Blue Shoes Exhibition is a stark reminder of the lasting impact domestic abuse can have, not only on victims but also on their families, friends and wider communities. As it raises awareness of the campaign for Kiena's Law, it helps shine a light on the links between domestic abuse and suicide, encourages greater understanding of these often hidden harms, and reinforces the importance of holding perpetrators to account."

Paul continued:- "This event also provides an important opportunity to engage with the public, raise awareness of the warning signs of abuse and highlight the support available for anyone affected. We know that:- domestic abuse, stalking, sexual violence and harassment can often go unreported, and we want people to know they will be listened to and taken seriously when they come forward. Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Merseyside Police. We are committed to pursuing perpetrators, safeguarding those at risk and working with partners to prevent harm."

Nearly 45,000 people have now signed the petition supporting Kiena's Law and the Blue Shoes exhibition has already been on display in:- Blackpool, Blackburn and Preston.

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said:- "It's fantastic to see the positive response to our Blue Shoes Exhibition and the continued support for my campaign for Kiena's Law, both regionally and across the country. I'm delighted that the exhibition is coming to Merseyside, helping to strengthen our call for the law to clearly and consistently recognise when prolonged domestic abuse is a significant contributing factor in suicide."

Clive continued:- "Kiena's story has touched people across Lancashire and far beyond. We must ensure that victims receive the recognition they deserve, families get the answers they need, and perpetrators are held accountable for the harm they cause. I would encourage everyone to sign the petition and help keep this vital issue at the forefront of public and political debate."

Frank Mullane, CEO of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) said:- "The Blue Shoes Exhibition is a stark and immediate way of helping people see the utter devastation and loss that follows domestic abuse. When I see these unfilled blue shoes and think about suicide after domestic abuse, I think of some other shoes too; the shoes of abusers running away and not being caught by the system. Kiena's Law is about helping the system to catch these shoes, so that perpetrators of domestic abuse which significantly contributes to suicide can be properly held accountable in the courts."

He added:- "Thank you Merseyside for hosting the Blue Shoes Exhibition. Kiena's legacy can be to ensure that everyone realises the harm done by domestic abuse, that families receive justice and harm doers pay the right price. Signing the petition puts pressure on law makers to take seriously the horrific affliction that is domestic abuse."

Support the calls for Kiena's Law by signing the Petition here.