Words and images by Lily Watts and Hashim Al-Hashmi
Crowds gathered on the steps of the Senedd, Cardiff, for a socially distanced vigil as part of the Reclaim These Streets protest. The gathering was held in defiance of other such events across Britain, which were effectively banned by the police who threatened organisers with huge fines.
The vigil was held in memory of Sarah Everard, who disappeared in early March after walking home from a friend’s house. Serving Metropolitan police officer PC Wayne Couzens, 48, has been charged with her abduction and murder. Sarah Everard’s murder has highlighted the everyday danger women face when venturing out alone and has sparked a public debate over their safety.
A member of the public said: “We are here to remember Sarah Everard and all the women and gender on-conforming people who are targets of male violence. We are here for the millions of women who have experienced domestic violence, the 85,000 women who experience rape and sexual assault every year, for everyone, for ourselves, and for the 99% of victims who never get justice.”
Doorstep protests are taking part across the UK, with Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and The Duchess of Cambridge both showing their respect. Further protests are expected in the coming days.
