Vigil an opportunity "to bring people together to share their experiences"

Friday 19 March 2021

A peaceful protest is being held in Guernsey next week in memory of Sarah Everard and to highlight the need for cultural change.

The event will start at 20:30 and finish at 21:30 on Tuesday at Market Square.

“The catalyst for this protest has been the recent death of Sarah Everard and the national outpouring of grief," said one of the organisers, Camille Brouard. 

“It’s a huge social issue that a lot of us have been aware for a long time. It’s quite frustrating that we have to put on protests and vigils simply for women’s safety."

Pictured: Sarah Everard's death sparked a national conversation about women’s safety and sexual assault.

Home Affairs and Guernsey Police have released a statement following the announcement of the vigil. 

“It is unacceptable that women should feel unsafe, said Head of Law Enforcement, Chief Officer, Ruari Hardy.

"We all need to challenge perpetrators of this appalling behaviour in a way that delivers meaningful change and Law Enforcement must play our part in this.

“Therefore, as an organisation, we need to listen to our community and work together to foster greater support for women, and give them reassurance that they will be safe."

Pictured: “We are going to need a culture shift across society,” said Mr Hardy.

The vigil will be held on Tuesday 23 March in Market Square and will see a range of speakers discuss their experiences. It’s being held during Stage 3 of our exit from lockdown, which is the Bailiwick Bubble. 

“A vigil is an opportunity to bring people together and share their experiences,” said Ms Brouard.

“People say it’s not really as much of an issue here, when actually a lot of women and girls here experience harassment.”

Pictured: Reclaim These Streets is a national campaign, and vigils will be held at various cities across the UK on the same day.

“Guernsey continues to be a safe and secure island in which to live and work,” said President of the Committee for Home Affairs, Deputy Rob Prow.

“The Committee has closely monitored discussions on this topic since the tragic events in England over the past week, and is committed to continuing working closely with Bailiwick Law Enforcement to support strategy and policy developments in this area so that all women feel safe all of the time.”