Renfrewshire communities come together to Reclaim the Night

Hundreds of people of all ages took to the streets of Paisley to call for an end to violence against women and girls.

Parents, students, activists and councillors carried placards and banners for the Reclaim the Night march, which started from outside University of West of Scotland.

The crowd made marched down the High Street to Dunn Square, where everyone gathered for a short memorial service.

A wreath made by the Paisley Soroptimists was laid by Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron to honour the lives lost to violence. Afterwards, Kayleigh Dyer read out the poem Woman written by her daughter Hannah.

People attended Paisley Town Hall after the event for refreshments.

The annual event is part of the United Nations’ international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and has been taking place in Renfrewshire for the last 19 years.

Renfrewshire Council’s Connected Communities team organised the event with partners, local support groups and campaigners.

Provost Cameron said: “The reason we gather for the Reclaim the Night marches is because the expectation that women and girls must modify their behaviour to stay safe is absolutely unacceptable.

“Our task as a community is to make sure that our world supports their rights and that young people grow up in a Renfrewshire where respect is the norm, where violence is never ever excused, and where women and girls’ voices are valued.

“It was inspiring to see so many people attend Reclaim the Night. This event has grown year on year with women, men and young people marching together as one with local campaigners and support organisations. I would like to thank everyone who came along and gave their voice to ending gender-based violence.”

Anyone suffering from domestic violence can get help by calling two national helplines. Calls are free from landlines and open 24 hours a day.

Scottish Domestic Abuse—0800 027 1234

Abused Men in Scotland—03300 949 395

The Council’s Women and Children First team—0300 300 0345

More help and support for domestic abuse victims is available on the Council’s website.