What is Reclaim the Night?
Reclaim the Night (RTN) is an international campaign against sexual violence. The marches are about standing together and reclaiming our right to be out in our city at night free from the fear of violence and harassment.
RTN marches first began in Europe in the 1970s as a response to the rising number of sexual attacks against women in public. Inspired by these marches, hundreds of women in Leeds started their own protest against the way women were treated during the period of the Pete Sutcliffe or “Yorkshire Ripper” attacks. As the number of attacks increased, women were advised to follow a curfew to stay off the streets at night. Instead, women said "No!" in protest to their freedoms being curtailed because of a man’s violence highlighting that women had the right to walk when and wherever they chose.
The marches gained momentum, spreading through the UK as a protest to the attitude that women were responsible for rape that women should cover up, keep off the streets, not drink and never walk without escort. Sadly, women are still made to feel afraid of their surroundings; women are encouraged to stay indoors, to walk in the light and never walk alone. Although young men are statistically more likely to be attacked by a stranger on the streets, it is very rarely, perhaps never, suggested that men’s freedoms should be curtailed in this way.
It is important to highlight the prolific amount of sexual assaults and rapes that occur within our city. Many of these assaults happen to women and men working in prostitution on the street and within brothels. Sex work is a highly emotive topic for feminists, despite difference of opinion it is imperative that we remain united in the conviction that 'rape is rape is rape' no matter the circumstance. The rate of conviction of rape in the UK is disgustingly low, we are calling for change. It is essential that those reporting rape and sexual offences in Bristol and around the world are treated with equality, respect and compassion. We hope that those participating in RTN show solidarity with sex workers and highlight that services such as the SARC and One25 are essential.
Reclaim the Night is an opportunity to protest against sexual assault on the streets and in the home. It is about taking back the freedom to walk without fear within our community, no matter what time of day and no matter what our gender, background or lifestyle.
We want Reclaim the Night to be more than an evening of events and hope to make a lasting change in our city. In consultation with local service providers, we call for the achievement of the following aims:
1. Help victim support organisations
2. Educate on safety and respect to prevent sexual violence
3. Improve justice systems and increase rape convictions
Please click through for more details and to take action.
Back to Reclaim the Night main page.
Reclaim the Night (RTN) is an international campaign against sexual violence. The marches are about standing together and reclaiming our right to be out in our city at night free from the fear of violence and harassment.
RTN marches first began in Europe in the 1970s as a response to the rising number of sexual attacks against women in public. Inspired by these marches, hundreds of women in Leeds started their own protest against the way women were treated during the period of the Pete Sutcliffe or “Yorkshire Ripper” attacks. As the number of attacks increased, women were advised to follow a curfew to stay off the streets at night. Instead, women said "No!" in protest to their freedoms being curtailed because of a man’s violence highlighting that women had the right to walk when and wherever they chose.
The marches gained momentum, spreading through the UK as a protest to the attitude that women were responsible for rape that women should cover up, keep off the streets, not drink and never walk without escort. Sadly, women are still made to feel afraid of their surroundings; women are encouraged to stay indoors, to walk in the light and never walk alone. Although young men are statistically more likely to be attacked by a stranger on the streets, it is very rarely, perhaps never, suggested that men’s freedoms should be curtailed in this way.
It is important to highlight the prolific amount of sexual assaults and rapes that occur within our city. Many of these assaults happen to women and men working in prostitution on the street and within brothels. Sex work is a highly emotive topic for feminists, despite difference of opinion it is imperative that we remain united in the conviction that 'rape is rape is rape' no matter the circumstance. The rate of conviction of rape in the UK is disgustingly low, we are calling for change. It is essential that those reporting rape and sexual offences in Bristol and around the world are treated with equality, respect and compassion. We hope that those participating in RTN show solidarity with sex workers and highlight that services such as the SARC and One25 are essential.
Reclaim the Night is an opportunity to protest against sexual assault on the streets and in the home. It is about taking back the freedom to walk without fear within our community, no matter what time of day and no matter what our gender, background or lifestyle.
We want Reclaim the Night to be more than an evening of events and hope to make a lasting change in our city. In consultation with local service providers, we call for the achievement of the following aims:
1. Help victim support organisations
2. Educate on safety and respect to prevent sexual violence
3. Improve justice systems and increase rape convictions
Please click through for more details and to take action.
Back to Reclaim the Night main page.