It’s not often you hear the council encouraging people to march through the streets. Ed
People are being invited to march through the streets of Newport, Isle of Wight on Thursday 25 November to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
On the Isle of Wight, it is estimated that in the past year over 2000 women and girls have been victims of domestic abuse – with many cases going unreported.
Island Police attend on average 120 domestic abuse incidents a month. Domestic abuse is not limited to women, men are often victims too.
Reclaim the Night comes to the Island
The Isle of Wight’s first Reclaim the Night march is being organised by the Island’s Domestic Abuse Forum and aims to highlight the services and support available to victims of domestic abuse.
A host of organisations are involved, including the Isle of Wight Council, Hampshire Constabulary, the NHS, Street Pastors and Unison.
History of the movement
Reclaim the Night marches started in the UK back in the 1970s as a way of giving women a voice and a chance to reclaim the streets at night during a safe and empowering event.
Organisers of the march say it is important to raise awareness of domestic violence and give victims, both men and women, the confidence to seek support.
Fleur Gardiner, Isle of Wight Council Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator said: “Domestic abuse is a subject that is often swept under the carpet and not talked about. The Reclaim the Night march is about standing up for victims and highlighting the range of support available both locally and at a national level.
“Domestic violence is very real and impacts on many lives. Here on the Island, at any one time police categorise around 20 domestic violence cases at ‘high’ risk of murder each month. When members of the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference met in July this year, 37 such cases were being considered.
“The march focuses on violence against women and girls but is open to all who may feel vulnerable on the streets at night. We will be marching to demand the right to live without fear of violence regardless of our age, race, gender or sexuality.”
Council and Police encourage residents to march
Cllr Roger Mazillius, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Housing, said: “I would urge people to join us on Thursday 25 November to highlight an issue which affects many people here on the Isle of Wight. A wide range of organisations will be part of this march and will be offering support and advice to people after the march.”
Detective Inspector Liz Williams of Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Public Protection Unit (PPU) said: “We welcome the opportunity for the community to publicly declare its determination to tackle domestic abuse. Police officers and staff from the Island’s Public Protection Unit are supporting the march as part of our role to demonstrate that such crimes should never be tolerated. As part of a dedicated campaign against violent crime this winter, we are continuing extra patrols specifically to respond to calls about domestic abuse. I would appeal to any victims or witnesses not to suffer in silence, and feel confident about seeking help from the authorities.”
Domestic violence is nationwide
National statistics show that one in four women and one in seven men will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime, many of these on more that one occasion. One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute and on average, two women a week are killed by a current or former partner.
The Island’s Reclaim the Night coincides with marches taking place across the region as well as White Ribbon Day, an international campaign to ensure men take more responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women.
When and where
Anyone wanting to take part in the march should meet at St Thomas’ Square at 7pm and wear the campaign colours of purple and white.
The Reclaim the Night March will last approximately 45 minutes and will be followed by a rally with speakers from agencies that provide support and advice and a candle lit vigil in Newport Minster.
In the event of bad weather conditions, a short rally will be held in the Square followed by a candle-lit vigil in The Minster.
For further information people should contact Fleur Gardiner on 821000.
Image: © Reclaim the Night
