Women take to the streets to denounce sexual assaults in Bermuda
TONIGHT, hundreds of Bermudians will take to the streets for one night with an important message aimed at empowering women against sexual assault: "However we dress, wherever we go; yes means yes, no means no."
The Women's Resource Centre and the local branch of Amnesty International are teaming up for the annual Take Back the Night march, with the aim of making Bermuda's epidemic of domestic violence and sexual assault visible.
Women ¿ and men who wish to show their support ¿ are encouraged to meet at Albuoy's Point at 7 p.m., armed with a flashlight and reflective clothing. The hour-long walk is intended as a demonstration of solidarity ¿ and a protest against the perceived violence against women, for whom nighttime is not always safe.
The slogan "Take Back the Night" was first used in San Francisco in 1978, when the march was initially organised as a response to an increased instance of sexual assault. Marchers worldwide have used it since then as a symbolic statement: that women should be able to feel safe without men.
Bermuda Police Service statistics show about 50 reported sexual assaults a year ¿ but sexual assault is considered the most under-reported crime, according to a well-known study.
Canadian research estimates that fewer than one in ten victims of sexual assault report the crime due to shame, humiliation, or fear of retribution. Lack of faith in the police and the justice system also play a part in making sexual assault and domestic violence two of Bermuda's least reported epidemics.
Marchers are to meet at Albouy's Point at 7 p.m. tonight. Following a short welcome the march will proceed down Front Street, up King Street and along Church Street then back to Albouy's Point. Please bring flashlights and reflective clothing. The walk will take less than an hour but people are welcome to stay afterwards to socialise and participate in activities.The Women's Resource Centre website is www.wrcbermuda.com. 295-7273 is the Crisis Intervention Hotline operating from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The office number is 295-3882.
