Silent vigil against sexual violence to be held in Peterborough city centre

A charity which provides specialist support for survivors of sexual violence is to hold a vigil in the city centre later this month.

Peterborough Rape Crisis Care Group (PRCCG) will be running the vigil as part of the ‘Reclaim the Night’ campaign outside Peterborough Cathedral on November 25.

PRCCG’s centre manager Heather Birch told the Peterborough Telegraph the charity is “thrilled to participate in 'Reclaim the Night' on a local level.”

Organisers say all are welcome to come and take part in the event, which will start at 6pm and end one hour later.

Everyone attending will get the opportunity to light a candle – a symbol of commitment to this vital cause – in honour of themselves or someone they know.

The event will be graced by Peterborough's esteemed Poet Laureate, Kat Beeton. The gifted bard will recite a number of her inspirationally powerful poems.

Tracing its roots back to the Women's Liberation Movement of the late 1970s, the annual ‘Reclaim The Night’ campaign strives to combat sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

According to the PRCCG, a quarter of adult women in the UK are likely to be raped or sexually assaulted. Estimates also suggest that as many as 1 In 6 children may be sexually abused.

As well as offering a platform for women to assert their presence and demand safety on the streets at night, the event – and the larger umbrella movement it falls under – aims to engage communities by highlighting just how urgent the issue of sexual violence is.

“This movement aligns with our commitment to promoting positive change and making our communities safer for everyone,” Heather said.

“It's a significant step towards achieving gender equality and ensuring that everyone can enjoy our public spaces without fear."

PRCCG is the only specialist service provider for survivors of sexual violence in Peterborough, Fenland and Huntingdonshire.

Its mission is to provide free and confidential support mainly to women and girls.

However, this service has also been extended to include men and boys in recent years.Those wishing to find out more can visit the PRCCG website at www.prccg.org.uk or speak with an advisor in a safe and non-judgmental environment by calling 01733 511250.