WOMEN from Devon are planning Exeter’s largest gathering against sexual violence on the streets this autumn.

The Reclaim the Night events are designed to promote public awareness about the levels of violence and harassment experienced by women and girls on our streets.

Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE), local Feminist groups and students from Exeter University have joined forces again to make this year’s Reclaim the Night event another large, visible protest about sexual violence.

Chair of the Planning Group, Mandy Barnes commented: “The march is happening during the 16 days of action, which are between the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women and girls — November 25 and December 10, which is Human Rights Day.

"This reminds us all that violence and harassment is still an ongoing concern for women in Exeter and Devon as well as across the globe and that it is a human right for us to be able to feel safe out on the streets where we live.”

The Reclaim the Night event will be held on Thursday, November 30 starting with a gathering at the St Sidwell Community Centre from 4pm to 6pm where people from Exeter and the surrounding areas will join together in solidarity against harassment, intimidation and violence on the streets.

There will be placard and banner making workshops, food and refreshments as well as general inspiration to generate an atmosphere of collaboration and community.

The march itself starts at 6.30pm from the St Sidwell Centre and ending around 7.30pm in Bedford Square.

Emma Pope from Feminist Devon said: “Women have been socially, culturally and economically conditioned to defer to men, we want to challenge this. We want women at Reclaim the Night to lead, feel strong, safe and empowered.”

Alan Quick