Wiltshire charity to host march insisting women should not live in fear
FearFree are teaming up with Trowbridge Gin bar Still Sisters
A Wiltshire domestic abuse charity is teaming up with a local business in a bid to help women and girls feel safer on our streets at night.
FearFree and Trowbridge-based bar Still Sisters will be leading a walk through the town to mark International Women's Day in March.
The event, called Free The Night, is being held on 7th March, is being funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner's Community Action Fund.
FearFree CEO, Debbie Beadle, said women should not have to worry about their safety at home or on the streets.
She said: “We are still living in a world where women and girls are forced to alter their behaviour just to feel safe.
"From changing running routes, to covering drinks so they cannot be spiked or being warned to consider how we dress– it's time this changed.
"Free The Night is about coming together to demand that women and girls can live freely in this world and are safe at home and on the street.
"Join us, stand with us, and let’s make it clear: women should not live in fear."
The 30 minute route, will begin at the charity's store in before winding it's way to the Still Sisters bar, before heading through Trowbridge park back to the charity's store. Along the way, walkers can enjoy live music and entertainment, with glow sticks and glitter face paints to generate a party atmosphere.
Still Sisters Director, Tori Jordan, said night time safety for women is something she feels strongly about: "Still Sisters is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of our commitment to the community that shaped us. As female business owners with a predominantly female customer and employee base, we feel a profound responsibility to support initiatives that champion safety and empowerment for women and girls.
We believe every individual has the right to feel safe on the streets of our town, regardless of the time of day. This isn’t just about one event; it’s about advocating for a future where our daughters, friends, families and every member of our community can live without fear.
Partnering with FearFree for ‘Free the Night’ aligns perfectly with our values. Together, we’re standing up, speaking out, and taking action to ensure Trowbridge becomes a safer, stronger, and more inclusive place for everyone. Come and join us in this fun community event and enjoy your town and streets safely."
Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Free the Night is a great example of organisations coming together and taking it upon themselves to help make communities – specifically women and girls - feel safer when out and about at night.
“Every year my Community Action Fund is delivered in partnership with Wiltshire Community Foundation to support groups to deliver these kinds of activities in line with the priorities set out in my #MakingWiltshireSafer Police and Crime Plan.
“My office will continue to invest in these, and other projects to show our commitment to reducing violence and serious harm, tackling violence against women and girls, and creating a safer night time economy for all.”
Free The Night starts at 7pm on Friday 7th March 2025 at FearFree Store, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge.
The walk is free and participants are asked to register beforehand. We can support the charity by entering the raffle, making a donation or being sponsored to do the walk. All money raised will go towards helping local families to rebuild their lives after abuse.