'Reclaim the night' march in Sleaford after woman sexually assaulted
The walk aims to call attention to violence and harassment against women
Last updated 24th Jul 2021
A march will be held in Sleaford later calling for more action to tackle sexual harassment and violence against women.
The Reclaim the Night event comes less than two weeks after a woman in her 20s was sexually assaulted in Mareham Pastures.
Lincolnshire Police are investigating the incident, which happened at around 2am on Monday July 12.
No arrests have yet been made and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Officers are also checking CCTV footage taken in the area.
Tonight's event, which starts at 10pm, will see a group march from the Mareham Pastures car park to the town centre, finishing at the Market Place.
Organizer Jade Hope told us:
"I don't think I know a single woman that hasn't walked home afraid, at least once in their life."
"Catcalling and things like that... some people may see that as a compliment but for me it makes me feel really aware of how I look and what I'm wearing... It makes me feel insecure".
The protest comes after the shocking abduction and murder of marketing executive Sarah Everard in London in March.
The 33 year old was abducted by 48 year old Wayne Couzens, then a serving Metropolitan Police officer.
Sarah's body was found in a bag in woodland in Kent. She'd been strangled.
Her death led to widespread protests on the issue of women's safety in the UK, with many recounting experiences of being harassed or feeling threatened.
Jade said:
"I will be afraid, I will be looking for the lightest route home even if its longer... I won't be cutting through any shortcuts because I'll be scared"
"I'll possibly be ringing someone so I sound like I'm talking to someone... these are all things women have to do on a regular basis"
An investigation into the attack on Mareham Pastures continues.
Detective Chief Superintendent Diane Coulson, of Lincolnshire Police, said:
“We are completing a thorough investigation. Any piece of information may prove vital to our case, let us decide if it’s significant.
"We’d rather you called and told us than dismiss something you might know or have seen.
“Thankfully we receive few reports similar to this one, I know people in the local area may be concerned.
"The local Neighbourhood Policing Team and other officers will be in the area, please have a chat with them if you have any concerns or call on 101.
"We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area between 00:00 and 03:00 on Monday 12 July and anyone who may have dashcam footage."