A VIGIL is to be held this weekend in Worthing to “Reclaim These Streets” for women feeling under threat following the tragic disappearance and death of Sarah Everard.
The event at Worthing Pier is being planned for 6pm tomorrow, and organisers have said the event is being held in solidarity “with all women who have ever felt threatened or been threatened.”
But the move comes as organisers of a London vigil take legal action to try to ensure their event can go ahead without breaching Covid restrictions.
Emma Louise, 35, a supporter of Reclaim These Streets who is involved with the Worthing event, said “I think everyone is just really frustrated. I think women across the country and across the world resonate with this so much.
“We have learnt throughout our lives that we need to modify our behaviour whenever we’re outside, and sometimes when we are inside, to ensure our safety.
- READ MORE: Sarah Everard case: Met faces watchdog probe over indecent exposure report
- READ MORE: Family of Sarah Everard pay tribute to her as ‘shining example to us all’
“I think seeing what’s happened with Sarah, that she modified her behaviour and did everything right and it still happened, has really resonated with people.
“Everyone is frustrated, and we need to do something and need to bring this to light that this is something that we do in our everyday lives.”
Emma said the organisers have applied for a police notice to allow the vigil to go ahead.
Under the current Covid-19 lockdown in England, people are largely required to stay at home and can only gather in larger groups for limited reasons, such as funerals or for education.
Police can break up illegal gatherings and issue fines of £10,000 for someone holding a gathering of over 30 people.
Sarah Everard vanished while walking home from a friend’s flat in south London on March 3, with her suspected kidnap and murder prompting anger over the safety of women on the UK’s streets.
Human remains – which have not yet been identified – were found in an area of woodland in Ashford, in Kent, on Wednesday.
A serving police officer remains in custody after being detained on suspicion of Ms Everard’s murder and kidnap.
Sussex Police have been contacted for a comment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel