Hundreds of people gathered last night against violence and sexual abuse as the Reclaim the Night march returns to Lincoln. The event last year saw 450 people march in wake of the tragic death of Sarah Everard.
The Wellbeing Society at Lincoln University urged everyone to come and join the march. It started outside the Swan pub on the University of Lincoln Campus at 6:30pm and later marched down the high street.
Zuzanna Romanska, the VP of Wellbeing and Community at Lincoln SU and the organiser of the event said: “I sometimes think ‘what is the point?’ as we can’t change violence on the street and in the home by marching. It has been happening since the 1970s and it’s sad we still have to do it. We have to be persistent in advocating for our safety.”
“It started as a women’s march, but safety is for all, it is not just for women, there are different groups in society that are effected by violence too. It is just in different ways.”
Reclaim the Night started as a march against the “Yorkshire Ripper” in the 1970s in Leeds. Women refused to be afraid to go out after dark as they should feel safe in their towns at night.
This march comes at an important time due to Lincolnshire Police taking part in White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism scheme.
These 16 days will be spent highlighting key messages in relation to domestic abuse and violence against women. White Ribbon Day aims to end male violence against women.
Lincolnshire Police said in a statement released earlier this week: “Tacking domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is crucial. It’s a top priority for us and must be at the heart of what we do.”
Anna Davis, Fundraising and Communication Coordinator from EDAN Lincs, a domestic abuse charity, said: “Our vision is to support and empower all those affected by domestic abuse to raise awareness of the impacts of domestic abuse and promote intolerance of it.”
Help is available for those feeling unsafe in their homes and if you feel unsafe walking home at night call 999 or 101.