Over a hundred people took part in a night walk in Penzance on Tuesday, 25 November to highlight the issue of violence against women and girls. Now in its fifth year, the town’s annual Solidarity Walk and Vigil organised by West Cornwall Women’s Aid is part of the global campaign ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’, which aims to raise awareness and inspire action.
Marking the start of a programme of events for 16 Days of Activism in Penzance, which has been supported by £3,775.95 in grant funding from Penzance Council, the event was held on White Ribbon Day, a day when men are encouraged to show their year-long commitment to ending violence against women and girls.
Beginning at 5.30pm at Wherrytown car park in Penzance, Cornwall Councillor Thalia Marrington welcomed the large crowd, commenting:
“We must keep doing this, although it’s really sad that we have to. It’s nearly 50 years since the first Reclaim the Night march in 1977, and that was because of the high profile murders that happened then. Women were told that they should adjust their behaviour, that they shouldn’t go out at night. And nearly 50 years later, it’s still a little bit like that. We’re being told how to be safe, to carry our keys in our hands, all these sorts of things.
“But I do think things are changing, and I really believe that there are better partnerships now. And I think that Cornwall is leading the way, I really do. And I think that Penzance is leading the way in Cornwall. So, thank you, everyone.”
Over a hundred people then made their way along the promenade carrying banners and candle lights, and joined by firefighters from Penzance Community Fire Station, as well as representatives from Devon & Cornwall Police, Band of Brothers and the Cornish Pirates. To coincide with the march, St Michael’s Mount was illuminated in the Suffragette colours of purple and green in support.
Stopping briefly in front of Jubilee Pool, the Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds addressed those taking part in the walk, saying:
“We stand together so that our town, our Duchy, our country, and our world will be a safer place for women and girls, and that men will stand together to eradicate violence against women and girls in our community and everywhere.
“This movement has grown here and it is spreading, so thank you all for being here, and for everything that you do, especially to all those who have organised this event this year and who do so much – give their own time, effort and energy to make this event happen. I’m proud of everyone who’s involved here. Thank you so much. Meur Ras.”
The Solidarity Walk continued onto St Mary’s Church on Chapel Street, where a candlelit vigil took place. Leading the vigil, Lizzie Matthews, West Cornwall Women’s Aid CEO added:
“Let me be clear; violence against women and girls is not just bruises and broken bones. It’s coercion. It’s control. It’s sexual abuse. It’s rape. It’s silence. And far too often, it’s fatal.
“Here in Cornwall, the crisis is growing. In the year leading up to May 2024, over 1,700 sexual offences were reported. That’s an average of more than 30 incidents every week being reported, and what we know is that most people don’t report. Domestic abuse reports now exceed 10,000 annually. So that’s nearly 200 every single week in our community.
“The theme of 16 Days of Activism this year is ‘Unite to end digital abuse’ and it calls upon governments and institutions, communities and individuals to unite to end digital abuse. There is no excuse for digital abuse. Misogynistic content is fuelling abuse, spreading dis-information and hate. Online stalking and trolling destroys lives, destroys people’s confidence and stops them being able to function. We need to put pressure on those in power. Those few who make our laws. Those who can stop the social influencers putting those messages out. But it is not just the responsibility of the few, it is the responsibility of all of us. We all need to act to end abuse, and I’m so pleased that so many people are here tonight. I think, if we act together, we will become unstoppable.”
The names of women who have lost their lives at the hands of their partner, former partner, or someone they know, in the past 12 months were read aloud in tribute, before a performance the Big Dance Company and the screening of a film by the Cornish Pirates supporting the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Full details of all events are listed on the 16 Days Penzance website: www.16dayspenzance.co.uk/
See all the photos from the event in the slider gallery below:
