Solidarity Walk Returns to Penzance to Highlight Violence Against Women and Girls

Published On: 26 November 2025Last Updated: 26 November 2025By CornishStuff

More than a hundred people joined a night walk in Penzance on Tuesday, 25th November to highlight violence against women and girls. The Solidarity Walk and Vigil, now in its fifth year, was organised by West Cornwall Women’s Aid as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence campaign.

The event marked the start of a series of local activities supported by £3,775.95 in grant funding from Penzance Council. It also took place on White Ribbon Day, when men are encouraged to show their year round commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

📷Over a hundred people take part in a Solidarity Walk and Vigil in Penzance on Tuesday, 25 November, marking the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Photo by Penzance Council

A Community Gathering at Wherrytown

The walk began at 5.30pm at Wherrytown car park, where Cornwall Councillor Thalia Marrington welcomed the large crowd.

She said:
“We must keep doing this, although it’s really sad that we have to. It’s nearly 50 years since the first Reclaim the Night march in 1977, and that was because of the high profile murders that happened then. Women were told that they should adjust their behaviour, that they shouldn’t go out at night. And nearly 50 years later, it’s still a little bit like that. We’re being told how to be safe, to carry our keys in our hands, all these sorts of things.

“But I do think things are changing, and I really believe that there are better partnerships now. And I think that Cornwall is leading the way, I really do. And I think that Penzance is leading the way in Cornwall. So, thank you, everyone.”

With banners and candle lights in hand, the group made their way along the promenade. They were joined by firefighters from Penzance Community Fire Station, representatives from Devon and Cornwall Police, Band of Brothers and the Cornish Pirates. St Michael’s Mount was lit in the Suffragette colours of purple and green in support.

A Message from the Mayor

The walk paused briefly at Jubilee Pool, where the Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds addressed the crowd.

He said:
“We stand together so that our town, our Duchy, our country, and our world will be a safer place for women and girls, and that men will stand together to eradicate violence against women and girls in our community and everywhere.

“This movement has grown here and it is spreading, so thank you all for being here, and for everything that you do, especially to all those who have organised this event this year and who do so much give their own time, effort and energy to make this event happen. I’m proud of everyone who’s involved here. Thank you so much. Meur Ras.”

Candlelit Vigil at St Mary’s Church

The walk then continued to St Mary’s Church on Chapel Street for a candlelit vigil. Leading the vigil, West Cornwall Women’s Aid CEO Lizzie Matthews spoke about the wider impact of violence against women and girls.

She said:
“Let me be clear; violence against women and girls is not just bruises and broken bones. It’s coercion. It’s control. It’s sexual abuse. It’s rape. It’s silence. And far too often, it’s fatal.

“Here in Cornwall, the crisis is growing. In the year leading up to May 2024, over 1,700 sexual offences were reported. That’s an average of more than 30 incidents every week being reported, and what we know is that most people don’t report. Domestic abuse reports now exceed 10,000 annually. So that’s nearly 200 every single week in our community.

“The theme of 16 Days of Activism this year is ‘Unite to end digital abuse’ and it calls upon governments and institutions, communities and individuals to unite to end digital abuse. There is no excuse for digital abuse. Misogynistic content is fuelling abuse, spreading dis information and hate. Online stalking and trolling destroys lives, destroys people’s confidence and stops them being able to function. We need to put pressure on those in power. Those few who make our laws. Those who can stop the social influencers putting those messages out. But it is not just the responsibility of the few, it is the responsibility of all of us. We all need to act to end abuse, and I’m so pleased that so many people are here tonight. I think, if we act together, we will become unstoppable.”

The names of women who lost their lives at the hands of a partner, former partner or someone they knew in the past year were read aloud. The evening also featured a performance by the Big Dance Company and a film screening by the Cornish Pirates in support of the campaign.

Full details of the 16 Days programme in Penzance can be found at the 16 Days Penzance website