Rally for women’s safety to be held in Londonderry

A rally for women's safety is being held in Londonderry this evening.

It comes in the wake of a recent spate of sexually motivated attacks on women in Derry.

The event will take place at the Guildhall at 6.15pm.

Local SDLP councillor Catherine McDaid is one of those organising the event, which will feature a range of speakers.

She said, “We have seen four violent attacks on women who were just going about their lives, while walking home or out walking their dog. Nobody should be subjected to something like this and there will be a lasting impact on the victims of these horrific attacks.”

“We cannot allow this to pass without a proper response. We are seeing self-defence classes for women reaching maximum capacity and discussions around how women stay safe are becoming an everyday reality.”

“This isn’t an issue that has popped up this week, having to take safety precautions in normal situations is just part of life as a woman and points to a real sickness within our society.”

“I think it’s really important that we come together as a city on Friday night to send a powerful message that this violence against women and girls must end. Everyone has their part to play in tackling this issue, we need a much improved response from the Executive, but we also need to see people taking responsibility for the actions and attitudes that have left women feeling unsafe in their own city.”

Peter Michael Day, Owner of Lifestyle Combat, is offering free self-defence classes which are already booked up.

He says it's not something women should have to think about however he wants to help in whatever way he can.

He said, “It demonstrates how much fear is going on in the city at the minute, so I would rather provide women with some sense of security by offering them training”.

The PSNI has stepped up patrols in the city, and says it's working with partners to make sure women and girls feel safe.