Islanders urged to walk together to 'Take back the night'

Monday 18 November 2019

A Jersey charity is staging a 'Take back the night' walk this Wednesday evening to show solidarity with the victims of rape and sexual assault.

It's being organised by Jersey Action Against Rape, and will start in the Royal Square at 18:00.

The charity says that it's a "peaceful" walk, which "...aims to highlight the importance of respectful relationships in the community and show solidarity against sexual violence."

Sara McIntosh, Chair of JAAR, said: “The message we want to convey to all islanders during this walk is that we are here to prevent and heal the trauma of rape and sexual assault. 

 “We encourage islanders from all walks of life to come out and support those who have suffered. We as a community stand together against this heinous crime.”

Walkers are being asked to wear teal ribbons, and there will be a one minute silence to show solidarity and demonstrate support to all those who have been affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or childhood sexual abuse.

The walk will follow a circular route:

• leaving the Royal Square and turning left 
• walking up the side of Church Street 
• then right along Mulcaster Street,
• turning right down Bond Street
• crossing over the zebra crossing onto Broad Street
• walking down this road and at the next zebra crossing at Charing Cross walking down the high street back to the Royal Square

The walk comes as Jersey Police continue to investigate the rape of a teenage girl in Gorey on Halloween night. They are still urging islanders who recognise the attacker from an 'e-fit' image to get in touch with them.

Pictured: a computer-generated image of the man the police believe raped a teenage girl. 

The full description of the man is: around 5’9, with a big and strong build with thick brown hair and a short brown/grey beard. He was also said to be wearing a coat that was too big for him and a baseball cap, and spoke with what Police have described as a "foreign" accent.

So far, no one has been charged, and but the policeman leading the manhunt, DS Stewart Gull says islanders should simply take their normal precautions if out alone. 

"I completely understand why there might be some concern and anxiety, that's natural; but incidents of this nature are incredibly rare, not just here in Jersey but further afield.

"All I would continue to say is just take sensible precautions as you would ordinarily, if you are out and about; let family and friends know where you are and what time you will be returning, make sure you have your phone with you, and that it is well charged, and if you are in the company of someone else, then all the better."

 Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Police on 612214 or 612612, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.