‘Enough is enough’: Anti-rape protest organised in Heaton Park

A protest march is planned to take place in Heaton Park on Thursday night after a 22 year-old woman was raped in the park on Sunday.

The march, which has been organised by local activists, is aiming to “reclaim the park”.

The event’s Facebook page says it’s happening to “stand in solidarity” with the victim and send the message that “enough is enough” when it comes to sexual violence. Organisers are also asking people to bring whistles and tambourines.

Posters can be seen stuck up near the Robbo

On Sunday, a 22-year-old woman was raped in Heaton Park. She was walking alone when she was attacked and police believe the attack happened in a woodland between the Sambuca restaurant and the bowling green area.

On Monday the Students’ Union Welfare and Equality officer, Luke Allison, told The Tab: “The most effective way of preventing these horrendous events from reoccurring is catching the perpetrators. Please listen to information the police put out about safety at night and try to avoid walking alone.

“I’d like to add that there is no situation where walking alone makes these incidences the victim’s fault. We should be all be able to walk comfortably around our city at night without fear for safety.”

The anti-rape protest appears to have been inspired by the ‘Take Back The Night’ marches which take place in cities around the country annually.

Everyone is welcome at the protest and the organisers encourage attendees to bring banners and placards.

The march will start at the Sambucca sign at the Heaton Road entrance to the park Thursday night before walking down to the bowling green and through the park.

More information about the event can be found on its Facebook page.