Hull Event to Address Violence and Abuse Against Women

On Saturday, Hull will host a march and vigil aimed at drawing attention to violence and abuse targeting women and girls. The “Say Her Name” campaign plans to light candles in remembrance of individuals killed by men over the past six months. Findings from a recent survey conducted by the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) indicate that 82.5% of the women who participated reported experiencing “multiple acts of violence and abuse” during their childhood. Vicky Foster, one of the event’s organisers, stated that the initiative aims at “challenging unacceptable behaviour.” She remarked, “It’s all too easy to look the other way,” citing examples such as “Catcalling, unwanted touching, speaking to women in unacceptable ways.” Foster added that such actions “feeds into the climate that allows worse things to happen.” Concurrently, a related exhibition is on display at the Humber Street Gallery, located in the city’s marina. The exhibition showcases works by local artist Annabel McCourt, which include portraits of individuals holding a neon sign that reads “I’m Sorry.” Ms. McCourt described these apologies as a “powerful tool for forgiveness and healing.” She further commented, “It is introspection for the collective good to create a more compassionate world.” The PCC’s report also indicated that 33% of girls surveyed across Hull, East Yorkshire, North and North East Lincolnshire had received death threats prior to turning 18. Additionally, the study revealed that as many as 91% of incidents involving violence and coercive behaviour against girls were not reported. The report further stated that “across all types of violence in both adulthood and childhood, most perpetrators were male.” The march is scheduled to commence at the Humber Street Gallery at 11:00 GMT on Saturday.