Reclaim the Night: The walk to make Exeter’s streets safer for women is back

Reclaim the Night – Exeter’s march to protest against violence towards women, trans women, and gender non conforming – is back on 1st December 2022.

Organised by the Devon Rape Crisis & Sexual Abuse Services, the walk demands that all women and girls have the right to feel safe of our streets.

via Reclaim The Night

There will be a placard making session from 4.30 – 6 pm on 1st at St Sidwell’s Community Centre for anyone who wants to come along. Everyone will set off at 6.30 pm, walking through Exeter City Centre, and finishing at Bedford Square.

Reclaim the Night is happening across numerous cities in the UK, spanning across 16 days of action between the 25th November – the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women and girls — and the 10th December – Human Rights Day.

Mandy Barnes, chair of the planning group said: “This reminds us all that violence and harassment is still an ongoing concern for women in Devon as well as across the globe and that it is a human right for us to be able to feel safe out on the streets where we live. If you feel unsure or unsafe about attending this event for any reason please get in touch and help us make this event more inclusive for you.”

via Reclaim The Night

If you are nervous about going, you can get in touch with the organisers via Facebook as they can offer support in a number of ways, including introducing you to other marchers, arranging for someone to march with you, or introducing you to some of the marshals so you know a friendly face if you need support.

“Our aim is to encourage as many people to march as possible and we’re happy to support people in any way we practically can.”

Reclaim the Night started in Leeds in November 1977 in the wake of the Yorkshire Ripper attacks, and women being told to stay out of public spaces after dark. Women took to the streets with placards to highlight the inequality of women being told to massively adapt their lives because of male violence, whilst men remained unaffected.

Since 1977, it had become an annual event across the UK to protest against street harassment and sexual violence experienced by women and girls.

If you’ve been affected by this story, you can contact with Devon Rape & Sexual Abuse Services via email: [email protected] or call them on 01392204174. 

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