As part of 16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls, yesterday’s first ever Reclaim The Night march saw the women of Southend fill the high street for the first time as part of the White Ribbon Campaign.
In a women’s safety event hosted at The Ironworks, charities and organisations gathered to highlight the services in the local area that can support victims of violence.
We spoke to Sarah from Safe Steps and Tracy from Southend City Council to find out more about Reclaim The Night and what local help is available to those who need it.
Women Reclaim The Night in Southend in march to end violence against women and girls – Southend City Radio
It was encouraging to see so many turn out to take part in the march and to hear about the many different ways in which local organisations can offer support.
Below are some useful contacts and essex based organisations that may be able to help you or someone you know.
- Compass – Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline available from 8 am to 8 pm weekdays and 8 am to 1 pm weekends – 0330 333 7 444 – https://www.essexcompass.org.uk
- Safe Steps – support for survivors of domestic abuse in Essex – https://www.safesteps.org
- Strut Safe – Free anonymous UK-wide phone line for those out alone at night – 0333 335 0026
- Synergy Essex – Rape and sexual abuse specialist services – 0300 003 7777
- SOS Rape Crisis – Support for all survivors of all forms of sexual violence – 0300 003 7777 – https://www.sosrc.org – National helpline 0808 802 99 99
- Brook – Free, confidential sexual health services for people of all ages in Southend – www.brook.org.uk
- Aspirations Program – a support service for women suffering disadvantages, addiction, homelessness or caught up in sex trade – https://www.aspirationsprogram.co.uk
- White Ribbon – the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls – https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk
- A Better Start Southend – For happier children and stronger communities. Now and in the future – https://abetterstartsouthend.co.uk – 01702 880370
For more local events then visit our local events page.
City Radio 
You must be logged in to post a comment.