Women reclaim the night in protest

Demonstrators show solidarity with women who have suffered abuse and harassment

Scores of demonstrators took to the streets of Perth to protest against violence against women.

Perth and Kinross Violence Against Women Partnership hosted events in the afternoon and evening to show solidarity with victims of abuse and harassment.

Women and men of all ages marched through the city centre after dark to “reclaim the night” to show that nobody should be afraid to walk the streets.

The event was inspired by similar demonstrations held during the Yorkshire Ripper’s reign of terror in the 1970s, when women were told not to go out after the sun had gone down.

Marches came to represent the message that women should be free to walk anywhere and should not be blamed or restricted because of the impact of male violence.

The demonstration came after a silent vigil in the High Street at lunchtime, during which supporters wore dark clothing as part of the World Council of Churches global movement to resist attitudes and practices which permit rape and violence.

“Victims often remain silent because they fear stigma or more violence

Elaine Cameron, member of St John’s Kirk and Perth and Kinross Violence Against Women Partnership, said: “We are doing this because violence is so often hidden and can be kept secret.

“Victims often remain silent because they fear stigma or more violence. We feel a responsibility to speak out against it to make sure women and young children are safe.

“Violence is predominantly men against women. We are very aware that men can be victims but it is very much in a minority of cases.”

The marches are among 13 events organised by the partnership as part of an international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign by the United Nations.

The campaign has included talks, presentations and plays. Today Jasvinder Sanghera, a survivor of forced marriage, will speak at Perth Theatre about her experience and support for people facing honour-based violence.

The 16 Days ends on Monday at the Royal George Hotel in Perth, where information will be given about the help available to women, children and young people who have faced domestic abuse.

A full list of events is available at pkvawp.org/news/16-days-of-activism2018-calendar/

Pictures: Kris Miller. The group of protesters takes to the streets of Perth yesterday to show nobody should be afraid to walk around at night.

Picture: Kris Miller. Provost Dennis Melloy joins the Perth procession led by the local rape and sex assault crisis centre to help women feel safer and less afraid in the city centre after dark.

Picture: Kim Cessford. Thursday in Black silent vigil to support the right of women to live without fear of violence, with front, Elaine Cameron, of St John’s Kirk and Perth and Kinross Violence Against Women Partnership.