Wakefield holds first ever Reclaim the Night event to highlight women’s safety
More than 300 people took part in a march through the city centre
Wakefield has held its first ever Reclaim the Night event aimed at empowering women and girls to stand up for safer spaces.
More than 300 people took part in a march through the city centre which was attended by district councillors and Alison Lowe, the West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime.
Reclaim the Night marches began in Leeds to highlight the growing danger to women after dark, partly in response to murders carried out by serial killer Peter Sutcliffe.
An event has been held annually in Leeds since 1977, with other cities and towns across the country holding similar marches, including Huddersfield and Calderdale.
Councillor Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s violence against women and girls (VAWG) champion, and Natalie Walton, councillor for Wakefield East ward, helped organise Thursday’s event.
Coun Cummings said: “We were expecting somewhere in the region of 80 people for our inaugural march but were absolutely overwhelmed to see more than 300 attending.
“Social media has been alight with congratulatory messages and videos and we have already started our plans for next year’s march.”
The council has joined forces with local partners to deliver a programme of activities in support of the annual 16 Days of Action and White Ribbon campaigns, which aim to prevent domestic abuse and violence against women.
It began on November 25, the International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Coun Cummings said: “In the last year alone, 2.3 million women and girls in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse. That’s a shocking statistic.
“Domestic abuse takes different forms – not just physical.
“It can include psychological, emotional, honour-based, financial and digital abuse. And every form can have a devastating impact.
“Not just on the women involved but on their children and wider families too.
“We all have a role to play in creating safer communities and supporting those affected.”
Daniel Wilton, the council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Raising awareness of the different types of abuse, their causes and consequences is essential.
“We want to empower people to recognise abuse, speak out, support victims and help break the cycle for future generations.”