Penzance campaigners shine light on domestic violence
The town held its fifth Solidarity Walk this week
Campaigners in Penzance are raising awareness around domestic violence as statistics show one in three women experience it.
They are taking part in the national 16 Days of Activism with a series of events designed to spark conversations and push for greater accountability.
Earlier this week, on 25th November, over 100 people took part in a night walk and vigil in Penzance aimed at raising awareness about violence against women and girls.
Beginning at Wherrytown car park at 5.30pm, the event also marked White Ribbon Day – a day encouraging men to commit to year-round efforts to end violence against women and girls.
Cornwall Councillor Thalia Marrington said: “We must keep doing this, although it's really sad that we have to.
"It's nearly 50 years since the first Reclaim the Night march in 1977, and that was because of the high profile murders that happened then.
"Women were told that they should adjust their behaviour, that they shouldn’t go out at night. And nearly 50 years later, it's still a little bit like that.
“But I do think things are changing, and I really believe that there are better partnerships now. And I think that Cornwall is leading the way, I really do. And I think that Penzance is leading the way in Cornwall."
Community groups and leaders show solidarity
Carrying banners and candles, participants walked along the promenade.
Among them were representatives from Penzance Community Fire Station, Devon & Cornwall Police, Band of Brothers, and Cornish Pirates.
As part of the event, St Michael’s Mount was lit up in Suffragette colours – purple and green.
Stopping by Jubilee Pool, the Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds, addressed the crowd:
“We stand together so that our town, our Duchy, our country, and our world will be a safer place for women and girls, and that men will stand together to eradicate violence against women and girls in our community and everywhere.
“This movement has grown here and it is spreading, so thank you all for being here, and for everything that you do, especially to all those who have organised this event this year and who do so much - give their own time, effort and energy to make this event happen. I'm proud of everyone who's involved here."
Vigil and call to action
The group continued to St Mary’s Church on Chapel Street for a candlelit vigil.
CEO of West Cornwall Women’s Aid Lizzie Matthews highlighted the theme for this year’s 16 Days campaign:
"Let me be clear; violence against women and girls is not just bruises and broken bones. It's coercion. It’s control. It's sexual abuse. It’s rape. It's silence. And far too often, it's fatal.
“Here in Cornwall, the crisis is growing. In the year leading up to May 2024, over 1,700 sexual offences were reported. That's an average of more than 30 incidents every week being reported, and what we know is that most people don't report.
"Domestic abuse reports now exceed 10,000 annually. So that's nearly 200 every single week in our community.
“The theme of 16 Days of Activism this year is ‘Unite to end digital abuse’ and it calls upon governments and institutions, communities and individuals to unite to end digital abuse.
"There is no excuse for digital abuse. Misogynistic content is fuelling abuse, spreading dis-information and hate. Online stalking and trolling destroys lives, destroys people’s confidence and stops them being able to function.
"We need to put pressure on those in power. Those few who make our laws. Those who can stop the social influencers putting those messages out.
"But it is not just the responsibility of the few, it is the responsibility of all of us. We all need to act to end abuse, and I’m so pleased that so many people are here tonight.
"I think, if we act together, we will become unstoppable.”
The vigil included the reading of names of women who have died over the past 12 months due to violence, as well as a performance by the Big Dance Company and the screening of a film by the Cornish Pirates supporting the campaign.
The programme of activism scheduled for the 16 Days events in Penzance is supported by £3,775.95 awarded by Penzance Council.