PEOPLE stood side by side with police and community leaders in Hereford as they showed their solidarity with victims of sexual violence.
A vigil was organised after four recent sex attacks since July 31 – three rapes, one sexual assault and one indecent exposure.
The vigil was held next to Victoria Bridge in Bishops Meadow, Hereford.
Although, the circumstances in which about 180 people came together were deeply upsetting, the show of community support was emotive and brought some to tears.
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Daisy Fleetwood, who is just 11 years old, read out a powerful speech in which she called out perpetrators committing these acts of sexual violence.
“How are we still here?” she asked.
“When is this going to end?”
She questioned when the narrative will change from “ladies should stop walking down the river late at night” and telling women to “carry keys in their hand just in case” to calling out perversion.
“If I understand consent why can’t you?” she asked
The victim blaming needs to stop, she said.
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“We have a right to to walk home by ourselves, to say we are not interested, to feel safe in a gym, on a run, in our own homes.”
“Tonight we stand together, for every person who has been impacted by sexual violence.
“Tonight we show solidarity for those who have reported. We are with you. For those who chose not to. We are with you.”
The shame lies with perpetrators and they will be called out, she said.
Daisy left primary school in July and will start secondary school in a couple of weeks.
She received input in year six at Lord Scudamore Primary School, from West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) Purple Leaf, who went in and taught them about consent and healthy relationships, said her mum, Helen Davies.
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The centre offers a range of specialist support services to anyone who has been impacted by any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
Those impacted by reading this article can call the helpline on 01905 724514 or visit wmrsasc.org. uk for more information about how it can help.
Daisy's full speech
How are we still here?
When is this going to end?
When will the narrative change from ‘ladies should stop walking down the river late at night’ to calling out perversion?
Instead of telling women to ‘carry keys in their hand just incase’
We need to shout…
Don’t perpetrate.
Don’t rape.
Don’t abuse!
If I understand consent why can’t you?
The victim blaming needs to stop!
We have a right to to walk home by ourselves, to say we are not interested, to feel safe in a gym, on a run, in our own homes!
Tonight we stand together, for every person who has been impacted by sexual violence.
Tonight we show solidarity for those who have reported.
We are with you.
For those who chose not to.
We are with you.
And to perpetrators - the shame lies with them and only them.
We WILL continue to call you out.
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