Socially-distanced demonstration in Belfast against gender violence

Q Radio News

A demonstration is due to be held in Belfast this evening against gender violence and to defend the right to protest.

It follows the murder of Sarah Everard in London and subsequent police actions at a vigil in the city. 

People taking part in the local socially-distanced event are being asked to wear masks.

One of the organisers, Lucy Marron, says there's a high level of domestic abuse here:

Here's a statement from the organisers:

ROSA calls socially distanced 'stand-out' against gender violence and to defend the right to protest

Tuesday 16th March, 6pm, Writer's Square, Belfast

Socialist-feminist group ROSA has called a socially distanced 'stand-out' in Belfast in solidarity with all victims and survivors of gender violence and with those protesting the murder of Sarah Everard.

ROSA representative Lucy Marron said:

"Gender violence is a daily reality for women and non-binary people. In Northern Ireland, reports of domestic abuse crimes increased by 15% in the year ending June 2020, having already reached an all-time record high in 2019. Northern Ireland is also tied with Romania for having the highest rate of femicide in Europe."

"It is clear that this is a systemic problem on a global basis - the WHO reported that one third of women will experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime. A report also shows 83% of women are restricting their movements and lives due to fear of sexual harassment and violence."

"We need to take a stand to defend the right to protest, and oppose the disgusting repression against those attending a vigil for Sarah Everard in London. This incident underlines that the capitalist establishment perpetuates the gender violence and misogyny which women experience every day and are now protesting."

Attendees are asked to wear a mask and maintain social distancing at all times.