Jersey Demonstration Advocates for End to Violence Against Women and Girls

A demonstration in Jersey, attended by nearly 100 individuals, advocated for the cessation of violence targeting women and girls. The event commenced at 11:30 GMT on Saturday, starting at West Centre in St Helier, proceeding to Charing Cross, and concluding back at its starting point. Participants displayed placards and donned vibrant orange wigs, aligning with the United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, observed on Monday. The Soroptimist International Jersey group was responsible for organizing the gathering. According to the organisers, the selection of the colour orange symbolized both current indignation regarding ongoing violence and optimism for future transformation. Suzie Mahe, who is a survivor of rape and strangulation and has foregone her right to remain anonymous, participated in the demonstration. She described the event as “really empowering,” adding, “I hope that other women feel supported.” Ms Mahe further stated, “I hope that people can take away from today is that they don’t have to feel alone and we’re all standing together to make change in Jersey.” She has advocated for Jersey to implement legislation, similar to that currently effective in England and Wales, to criminalize non-fatal strangulation; this proposal is slated to be submitted to the government next year. Kate Wright, the Chief Executive Officer of the domestic abuse charity FREEDA, delivered an address upon the conclusion of the march. She commented that “there was a great atmosphere” and that “we had far more [attendees] than last year.” Ms Wright further elaborated: “The message from the march is all about allyship. Together we can change the culture and the systems that currently enable violence against women and girls to continue.”