Colchester activists march against sexual violence and domestic abuse

The Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse, a charity based in Colchester, led its Reclaim The Night march on Saturday for the first time since 2019.

The awareness-raising event first took place back in 1977 but up until this weekend had endured a three-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The demonstration started outside Firstsite just before 5pm, with more than 150 people gathering for a candlelit vigil in memory women who have been killed by men.

Following the poignant and solemn ceremony, the campaigners embarked on a march through the rammed city centre as shoppers and football fans cheered them on.

Armed with placards emblazoned with powerful messages and an unbreakable togetherness, the march tackled rape culture, victim blaming and street harassment.

It also acted as a platform from which to call-out sexual violence, domestic abuse, and all forms of male violence against women.

Helen Parr, CEO at the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse, said: “The march went really well, there was a positive atmosphere, and we were pleased with the turnout.

“We lit candles for women who have been killed by men, which was very moving and powerful, and we had women speak about what the march meant to her.

“We had done some online activities throughout the coronavirus pandemic but it is not the same as being there in person.

“A lot of our service-users and survivors told us how good it felt to be back out there on the streets again, which was great as we were concerned we had lost momentum.

“But we had more than 150 people join us and it was a great time to do it really as Colchester was packed and the response we got was really encouraging.”

To find out more information about the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse visit caraessex.org.uk.

Support can also be found by visiting the likes of rapecrisis.org.uk, womensaid.org.uk, and nationaldahelpline.org.uk.