Stand together and say ‘Enough’ to sexual abuse and sexual violence this week, as part of a national campaign to raise awareness of the issue.
As part of National Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (5-11 February), organisations across Plymouth are holding events to raise awareness and campaign against violence against women and girls.
Starting the week on the 7 February, there is a conference organised by Trevi, for those aged 18 and over, focused on the negative impact of pornography on women, as well the impact on men and society more broadly regarding mental and emotional well-being.
Following this, a ‘Reclaim the Night’ march has been organised by Trevi on 9 February from 6pm, starting at the Arts University. Reclaim the Night has been prominent in cities across the UK for nearly five decades. Its initial message in the 1970s, was the rage and anger that women felt about being given a curfew in response to severe violence against women and girls. Before the march, Trevi will be holding a placard and banner making workshop for those who would like to join. Councillor Zoe Reilly, Violence Against Women and Girls Champion for the city will be speaking at the event.
The University of Plymouth are also holding a #Talkaboutsex event in the Roland Levinsky building on the 8 February, which involves organisations across the city with stands such as Trevi, PDAS, the Zone, and Not Alone, who will be providing information and support. Find out more about the events taking place across the week: https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/sexual-abuse-and-sexual-violence-awareness-…
Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “This week is an opportunity for anyone that wants to use their voice to join a conversation with thousands of others.
“We want to continue campaigning for ‘enough’ and we will come together to unite in tackling Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Councillor Zoe Reilly, Violence Against Women and Girls Champion for the city, said: “We want to encourage the people of Plymouth to make a stand for Violence Against Women and Girls, as the Champion for the city, this is very important to me to keep pushing the agenda, I hope people can join us on the walk on 9 February.”
Hannah Shead, CEO, Trevi, said: “As the leading women’s charity in the southwest, sexual violence awareness week gives us another important opportunity to amplify our message that enough is enough. Violence against women and girls continues to be a significant issue in our city and beyond; any opportunity to raise awareness is vital.
“We are delighted that 500 delegates will be attending our Pornography Effect conference – with speakers from all over the world, it promises to be a highly educational event. In addition to this, registration for our Reclaim the Night march continues to grow into the hundreds. Levels of participation like this indicate that people care and want to know how to make a difference. There is a long way to go but we will continue to keep getting loud on these issues – we must have hope for a brighter and safer future where everyone can live without fear.”