THE founder of Salford Survivor Project, a charity aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse, has been appointed as co-chair of Greater Manchester’s newly formed Gender-Based Violence board.
Jane Gregory, who lives in Salford and founded the charity in 2013 following her own experiences of domestic violence, will help the board continue its work to tackle gender-based violence in Greater Manchester.
The board, co-chaired by Deputy Mayor for policing, crime, criminal justice and fire, Bev Hughes, met for the first time in December 2021 which coincided with the launch of the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s ‘Is This OK’ campaign.
Jane said: “Greater Manchester is looking to lead the way in combatting gender-based violence and I am delighted to be joining the board as co-chair. I want to use my voice, both as a survivor of abuse and for sharing the voice of the thousands of survivors I have helped, to show the reality of gender-based violence. My appointment shows those who have suffered abuse or trauma that there is life after abuse.
“I believe the system has to change and to fix it we need to know where the holes are, by using the experiences of those living with violence and understanding the issues they face. The board seeks to make systemic changes in the hope of reaching those impacted by gender-based violence, empowering them to make a change, and helping them on their journey,” she added.
Jane became a mother aged 18 after growing up in a violent household. She in turn experienced violence and spent time in refuges and homeless units. She has seen history repeating itself within her own family, with her daughter also experiencing violence in a relationship, and she now wants to reach those trapped in similar cycles.
“For my own granddaughter and for every other child in this world, the cycle of abuse has to be broken and we are the ones to break it,” said Jane. “As survivors of abuse, the one thing that cannot be taken is our voice. That voice gives us the power to take back our lives and give the guilt and shame back to the people who chose to hurt us.”
Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes said: “It is vital that we hear the experiences of people who have lived through gender-based violence and use their insight to shape the services we offer and the way we tackle gender-based behaviours and crimes.
“Through the board’s work, we aim to create a strong, accountable, victim-centred approach that changes the reality of gender-based violence for generations to come. I am delighted that Jane is joining our mission and her voice will be invaluable.
Bev added: “It’s poignant that Jane’s appointment comes in the week we mark International Women’s Day as she herself has overcome such adversity in a bid to achieve a better future for our women and girls as well as call out the inequality that perpetuates gender-based violence.”
The gender based violence board was established following the publication of the GMCA gender based violence strategy in September 2021. Jane is one of four members representing VCSE organisations that support victims and survivors and that there are two members with lived experience from Greater Manchester communities. Other members include professionals from public agencies across the city-region.
