At tonight’s Isle of Wight Full Council meeting, the leader, Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox explained that she now carried a personal alarm.
Concerned for her own wellbeing and the wellbeing of her family, the personal alarm was given to her following a visit to Isle of Wight Police today (Wednesday).
“It’s reassurance, no-one should have to be in this position, but I know there are members across the chamber that have also been in this position.”
Cllr Michael Lilley (Alliance) asked the council leader what lived experience she’d had as a female leader standing up against male violence.
Peacey-Wilcox: Need to carry personal alarm
Cllr Peacey-Wilcox explained that she’d received the personal alarm today and now has to carry it everywhere with her. She added,
“I’ve seen what alcohol has done in relation to violence, when I ran my business I had women come to me to explain about date rape. It took a lot for those girls to speak to me, so I do understand where it comes from.”
She added that funding is being directed to Newport and Ryde for preventative work in relation to violence against women and girls.
Stand shoulder-to-shoulder
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans (Alliance) told the leader that she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with her on the issue, adding,
“It’s a very serious matter that I’ve had to deal with, there’s always an open door.”
Palin: Throw my support behind the leader
During public question time, Cameron Palin, a East Cowes Town Councillor and rep for Isle of Wight Association of Local Council expressed his support for the Leader.
A round of applause was heard when he said he threw his support behind the Leader.
