Walk held to ‘reclaim the night’ in Sandwell to stand against violence towards women
A walk to ‘reclaim the night’ as part of a campaign against violence towards women and girls was held in a Sandwell town.
More than 100 people took part in the walk through Oldbury town centre on Monday (December 8) as part of 16 days of action aimed at tackling domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The show of solidarity follows recent racially aggravated attacks on women in the West Midlands.
The event was organised by the Safer Sandwell Partnership, which includes members from Sandwell Council, Black Country Women’s Aid and West Midlands Police, and follows several other events throughout the borough which have highlighted issues such as domestic abuse, stalking, online safety and sexual violence and offered support to those affected.
Sandwell Council’s leader Kerrie Carmichael and deputy leader Suzanne Hartwell both joined the walk alongside other councillors and council staff as well as other community organisations and unions.
Cllr Carmichael said: “As women, and having daughters and moms, it’s really important that these issues are highlighted and people understand that this is happening right now behind closed doors and we need to stop that. I love Sandwell, it’s an amazing place, but we still need safer streets, we still want women to feel safe when they go out, we want them to walk out without fear. That’s really important to us. It’s a priority. We should be progressing but we’re not.”
Cllr Hartwell added: “A couple of ladies on the walk said it’s as if we have gone backwards. You take so many steps forward but then take a huge leap back.
“But when what has happened tonight is circulated to the community, if we can just reach out to one person and say we’re listening, you’re not alone, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you, then it’s been worth it.”
Sara Ward, executive director of Black Country Women’s Aid, said: “The turnout has been absolutely fantastic. It’s really good to see so many people from the community and organisations and unions all come together united in this message of wanting safer streets for women and girls.”
Referring to two alleged rapes in the borough in recent months she added: “We want to stand together to make sure that people know that this is not what Sandwell is about.”
The charity said it continues to receive hundreds of calls every week.
Sara went on: “I’m really glad that people are coming forward and making the call. For too long people have thought it’s just behind closed doors or they shouldn’t tell anybody.
“If it is happening in your home, in your life, if you’re a victim of violence or domestic abuse or being controlled or coerced, call somebody, call Black Country Women’s Aid, we’re here to help.”
Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, Sandwell Police Commander, who also attended the walk, said: “Events like tonight are really important and what’s fantastic is that it is members of the community coming together – men, women, all different faiths and backgrounds – standing in solidarity against violence against women and girls.
“It is a community concern and as partners and public servants we are really committed to challenging those things and preventing them but the fact that so many members of the public are here in support and in solidarity with people who have been victims. It’s a really important event and it demonstrates our commitment to making a difference.”
A man has been charged with racially aggravated rape over an attack on a woman in Walsall and attacks in Oldbury and Wolverhampton continue to be investigated.
A man and a woman were arrested in connection with the Oldbury attack before being released on bail.
