PEOPLE are encouraged to take a stand against violence towards women at an organised march in Worcester city centre.

People will gather in Angel Place to hear speeches from the CEOs of both WMRSASC and Women’s Aid.

From there the march will wind through the city centre and return back to Angel Place around 20 minutes later. 

The walk will take place on Thursday, December 7 from 6.30pm with the march commencing at 7pm. 

This event is inclusively women-led, however, everyone is welcome and the route is fully accessible. 

This year’s walk is organised by West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC), an organisation which offers support to women, men and children who have been impacted by rape and sexual abuse.

Denise Griffiths, head of operations for WMRSASC, said: “The march is an opportunity to remind people that violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent human rights violations in today’s society.

"Both historically and currently the responsibility for male sexual violence against women and girls has been placed at the feet of those who experience it and not those who perpetrate it, women are told what they shouldn’t wear, what they shouldn’t drink, where they shouldn’t walk, how they shouldn’t behave, and what time they should stay out until.

"We aim to raise awareness and to demand appropriate investment for support and prevention services. We hope people will turn out to show support and solidarity for each other – and to make a noise.

"More action needs to be taken to ensure that the perpetrators of sexual violence and assault are held solely responsible."

The march takes place during the annual 16 Days of Action, which aims to raise awareness of male violence against women and girls, and calls on governments, organisations and people to “Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”.

Reclaim the Night came to the UK over 40 years ago. In 1977, women in Leeds took to the streets to protest the police requesting women to stay at home after dark in response to the murders of 13 women by Peter Sutcliffe. 

The march has run annually in Worcester for several years, and organisers hope to see hundreds gather in the city centre to march as part of the national event.