Reclaim These Streets plans a second vigil
‘NO CHANGE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH’
CAMPAIGNERS against violence towards women and girls are holding a vigil in Hull after saying “nothing has changed” in the city.
The Reclaim These Streets campaign group said they have been in touch with police and the local authority since their last vigil in May but were still awaiting answers to their concerns.
The Hull group has now organised a second vigil calling for changes in society, in the wake of last week’s sentencing of Sarah Everard’s killer, serving police officer Wayne Couzens, and the ensuing public outrage over the safety of women and girls.
The group spokeswoman said: “Last week was a terrible week for women, putting it very mildly, and sparked upset, shock, anger, rage and dredged up memories for so many of us which we still live with today, of our experiences. Since our last vigil nothing has changed and that is not good enough.
“From our group’s standpoint, this has not been for the want of us trying. We have been involved in all sorts of video calls, conversations and emails with police, fire service and local authorities to try to make a difference.
“As the nights get darker and winter draws in, the conditioning we have gone through as women means we are thinking about our safety more when out alone at night.
“When deciding we won’t go out at 6.30pm as it is dark, enforcing a personal curfew to keep us safe. Is the route well lit? Does someone know where I am? Do I have my keys between my fingers just in case? Cross the road if I think I am being followed.
“We now have advice from Scotland Yard to flag a bus down or run into a stranger’s house if arrested by a lone male police officer. Utterly ridiculous and insulting. This advice points blame at Sarah and at other victims.
“This advice is a plaster on a much bigger issue of educating young and adult men to stop the root cause of violence by men, against women.”
The group also calls for a “social and cultural change” that addresses male violence, and education for boys and men about consent and harassment.
The group is calling for reported crimes to be investigated and to ensure that leads to “rightful” convictions.
The Hull vigil will take place on Saturday, October 16, at Queen Victoria Square, at 6.30pm.
For more information, search for the Reclaim These Street Hull group on Facebook.