Uniting Exeter in the fight against sexual violence on our street

A group of women from Devon are planning the city’s largest gathering against sexual violence on the streets this autumn. The Reclaim the Night events are designed to promote public awareness about the levels of violence and harassment experienced by women and girls on our streets. Two events are planned; a preparation day of creativity on Saturday 21st November and the March itself on Thursday 26th November.

Devon Rape Crisis Service, SAFE, Exeter Feminists and the University Femsoc have joined forces to make this year the most visible protest yet about sexual violence. Chair of the Planning Group, Mandy Barnes commented “We will be meeting together to make our views known in the week marking the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women and girls. This reminds us all that violence and harassment is an ongoing concern for women in Exeter and 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”

There will be a creative event at Exeter Scrapstore in Belmont Park on 21st of November so that those planning to come to the main event can prepare themselves. Expect to be making banners and percussion instruments to take with you on the night. It is a free drop in session between 10.00am and 4.00pm and Jeanette Brown reassured anyone thinking about coming along that “you can come with detailed plans of what you want to do or with no plans and receive guidance from facilitators; come alone or with friends – but please do come!” Those who would like to volunteer to marshall the march need to come along to the scrapstore on this date too so they can be fully briefed.

The actual Reclaim the Night event on Thursday 26th November starts from 6.30pm at the Mint Church in Fore Street, when people from Exeter and the surrounding areas will join together in solidarity against harassment, intimidation and violence on our city streets. There will be a drumming workshop, singing and general inspiration to generate an atmosphere of collaboration and community. The march itself starts at 7.45pm for the Mint Church, ending around 8.30pm in Bedford Square.

Fee Scott from Devon Rape Crisis Service said that “Reclaim the Night events have been hosted across the country since 1977 and we are so pleased to be generating more and more interest in our annual protest in Exeter. We know that many people have never been on a march before and may feel slightly unsure about joining in but we would encourage anyone who cares about women and children to come along. The atmosphere will be light, you will be amongst people who feel the same as you and the march is about visibility rather than confrontation. Marshalls and local police ensure this event is safe for everyone, including children”

Use the hashtag #ExeterRTN
follow the event on twitter @ExeterRTN & Facebook.com/ExeterRTN