Caithness woman to run 112 miles to help those subject to gender-based violence
Lorna Stanger wants to raise awareness and funds for services supporting survivors.
Last updated 16th Nov 2022
A far north ultra distance runner wants to help those subject to gender-based violence by taking on a running challenge spanning more than 110 miles.
Lorna Stanger is aiming to run from Inverness to Thurso, raising awareness on support which is available.
She's also aiming to fundraise to help services such as Rape and Sexual Abuse Services Highland (RASASH).
The group are planning a 'Reclaim The Night' March in Inverness later this month.
It's part of a wide movement which sees mass walks take place at night, demanding women should be able to move through public spaces without fear of being hurt.
Lorna will be participating in the march, then will run to Caithness through the night.
'Gender-based violence needs addressed' - Lorna Stanger
Scottish Government statistics published earlier this year, show how sexual crimes have increased by 96% compared with 2012-2013.
Lorna says if her efforts lead to even just one person reaching out for support, it would be worth it.
She said: "There’s so much victim shaming and guilt attached with sexual abuse which often stops people from coming forward and that let’s perpetrators carry on getting away with what they’re doing.
"It can affect their families, friends, their work, their studies, just everything.
"There’s a ricochet effect from this abuse and it really needs to be addressed.
"It’s not something that shouldn’t be spoken about because ‘what will people think’ or ‘that’s shameful’.
"The behaviour of the perpetrator is shameful and it’s them that has done wrong.
"I would hate for anyone to go through that situation.
“In raising awareness, in doing my run, doing the march, if all that can help anyone or even just one person get out of a situation that they are in then that’s a good thing."
RASASH have been granted permission by the Highland Council to do a ‘Reclaim The Night’ march on Friday 25th of November at 18:30pm, starting at Falcon Square at 6:30pm.
For more information head to the RASASH Facebook page.