MarcH SHOwS SOLIdaRIty fOR abuSe vIctIMS

DEMONSTRATORS went on the march t hrough t he streets of Dundee in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence as part of the city’s Reclaim the Night campaign.

The aim of the annual rally through the city centre streets was to try to raise awareness of violence against women, including sexual assault and harassment, as well as domestic abuse.

This year’s event, which was organised by the Dundee Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (WRASAC), was set against a backdrop of recent disclosures about sexual abuse and harassment from Hollywood to Holyrood.

In Dundee, there has been a 17% rise i n the number of reported sexual crimes and rape support services have seen an increase in people looking for help.

Sinead Daly, WRASAC Dundee and Angus centre manager, said: “This i s such an important event for Dundee.

“There is hardly a week goes by without a story about domestic or sexual violence press.

“Unfortunately, it is still the case today that the focus of attention tends to be on the behaviour and actions of women who have experienced sexual violence and harassment.

“This can lead to feelings of shame and also t o women having a fear of coming forward to disclose their experiences.

“This march i s about making a clear and firm statement that it i s the predatory behaviour of some men that are to blame for sexual violence — not women.

“W h a t ev e r w e w e a r, wherever we go, yes means yes and no means no.”

This year’s march started off i n t he City Square, where a number of speakers addressed the demonstrators and dancers created a carnival-like atmosphere for the family-friendly event.

The march coincides with the 16 Days Campaign, an international movement to end violence against women which started i n 1991. in the Dundee