Durham City Reclaims the Night
Durham City Reclaims the Night
Over 100 men, women and children marched through the streets of Durham City on a cold, wet and windy night in support of the victims of domestic violence. It's a fact that 1 in 4 women will experience the effects of domestic violence or sexual abuse at some time in their lives - a statistic that trade unionists and campaigners are determined to see eradicated.
Following the march, attendees gathered in Durham Town Hall for music and refreshments and to hear from guest speakers: Roberta Blackman-Woods MP for Durham City; Bridget Phillipson, Labour PPC for Houghton and Sunderland South and women's refuge manager for Wearside Women in Need. The event was chaired by Clare Williams, Chair of the TUC Women's Group and UNISON Regional Convenor.
Roberta Blackman-Woods said she was heartened to see so many people turning
out to support the event. As a society, we do not take seriously enough the
issue of violence against women and events like this go a long way in highlighting
the issue. Britain currently has the lowest rape conviction rate in Europe
and she therefore welcomed the Government review of Rape Law to be carried
out by Baroness Stern. Her review is intended to encourage more women to report
attacks, as well as to improve the performance of public bodies dealing with
rape. It will also consider the role of victim support organisations, such
as sexual assault referral centres and rape crisis centres and how public authorities
(including the police, local authorities, health providers, the Crown Prosecution
Service, etc) interact with each other. In her own constituency, there are
some very good things happening. Durham Constabulary has a dedicated team of
specially trained officers who have the knowledge and expertise to support
victims of rape and sexual abuse and she was pleased to see Det Supt Andy Reddick,
who is leading on this issue for Durham Constabulary, supporting this event.
Bridget Phillipson thanked the TUC and the Women's Group for organising this event. Every woman should have the right to wear what she likes, when she likes and where she likes without the fear of reprisal. Showing solidarity by marching in support of victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence shows that together we can make a difference.
Clare Williams commented that it is a shocking fact that two women every week are killed by their male partners. Domestic violence affects all sections of society and the impact on victims and their families is devastating. A fifth of women experiencing domestic abuse take time off work due to injuries sustained; 31% experience prevailing mental health or emotional problems and 40% of homeless women state domestic violence as a contributory factor. The North East has the highest level of child poverty outside London and some of the lowest paid workers. We cannot ignore the link between poverty, deprivation and violence. There is a job for us all to do to change prevailing societal views.
Domestic violence is a key issue for trade unions, it's not just an issue for women, it's an issue for us all, and one which cannot be changed by only talking to one party. That's why trade unions and the TUC will continue to challenge inequality in all its forms, campaign for safer communities and strive to ensure that all women have the right to use public spaces, day and night, without the fear of sexual harassment and assault.
Stay Updated
Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox