Show support tonight for those affected by sexual violence
THE PEACEFUL protest and vigil for women affected by and lost to gendered violence will take place this evening [Tues 23 March].
It will be held at 8.30pm in Market Square and is expected to last for about an hour.
‘Women should not have to feel afraid to walk home alone at night, but so many of us have been there, keys in hand, pretending to be on the phone, crossing the street to avoid footsteps behind us, and texting our worried friends to let them know we got home safely. Even in Guernsey assaults are still happening,’ the organisers said.
Before the torch-lit/candle-lit vigil, some Bailiwick residents who are brave enough to share their own stories will give speeches to highlight the fact that the island is not free of such crime.
One of which is 19-year-old Bea Smith who has been bouncing around the justice system for six years since being a victim of sexual violence when she was 13.
'I was told by the authorities and social workers that it was my fault, that I led my attacker on,' she said.
'Other people have come forward with their own stories about my attacker, yet he still roams free.'
Miss Smith said too many people who commit gendered and sexual crimes have gotten away with it for too long, and something needs to change.
'People want to say Guernsey is a beautiful and safe place to live. But that's not the reality that so many young girls and women know.'
Until the issue is confronted head-on, the situation will not improve, she said.
'Girls are subject to victim-blaming or are told it's their fault in one way or another and that needs to stop.
'If having these stories will open some people's eyes, or encourage law enforcement to take a more sensitive approach to the subject, it will provide for a better future for our children.'
This event is for and about women and those who experience misogynistic and gender-based oppression on local streets, but it is open to everyone.
Face coverings are strongly recommended, as is social distancing from those you do not know.
People attending should bring a piece of paper with their details on in case contact tracing is required.
