Chester To ‘Reclaim The Night’ In Fight Against Sexual Violence

By @keiran_evanss

Chester’s annual Reclaim The Night for women abused by sexual violence took place on Thursday, November 10.

Charities, public authorities, and members of the public photographed outside Chester Town Hall for the Reclaim The Night march and vigil.

Organized by Chester Sexual Abuse Support Service (CSASS), the event started in Storyhouse where supporters gathered to create placards and banners.

In partnership with the University of Chester and Chester Students Union, Reclaim The Night is an international campaign to stop sexual violence against women.

“It’s about remembering women killed as a result of male violence.” said Alison Breadon, Centre Manager for CSASS.

Alison continued: “Remember to be open when you’re called out, if you slip into cultural stereotypes, and challenge your own thinking.”

The RTN march was supported by many associations and allies including a Birmingham based company Safer Dance.

Founded in 2019, ‘Safer Dance’ is a business which specialises in creating a safer night-time economy by improving venue management of sexual harassment.

“Our research shows customers have started to factor in safety when they choose a venue or pub,” said Sam Hennerley, Co-Founder.

As the march began outside Chester Town Hall, supporters chanted “What do we want? Safer streets. When do we want them? Now!”

Reclaim The Night supporters march along Eastgate St holding placards and flags to protest sexual violence towards the vulnerable.

The vigil was situated at the Chester Cross where members of CSASS presented powerful poetry written by survivors of sexual abuse.

“The atmosphere here tonight is not of great sadness but in strength and solidarity of women who have been innocently killed by male violence” said Laura Helen, supporter, and ally.

Candles placed on the Chester Cross in memory of the women lost to sexual violence.

Rape Crisis UK leads the way in helping survivors across the country. They also provide up-to-date statistics and support at https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-informed/statistics-sexual-violence/