Million Women March to call for better child protection

A peaceful march is set to take place in Frome this month to raise awareness of the need to protect children from abuse.

As part of a national, non-political movement with marches taking place across the country, the Million Women March will be held in Frome on Monday 17th February, starting at 12pm at the war memorial outside the Memorial Theatre.

The march will then set off at 1pm, proceeding to the Westway Precinct, or the seating area outside the library, depending on the number of participants.

Local woman Daniela Scott is organising the campaign and said, “I only recently heard about this voluntary grassroots march, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting children from abuse.”

Daniela says she first saw the march take place in London, where women and girls gather at the Boadicea and Her Daughters statue. She says she wants to run the event in Frome because she wants all women and girls in and around the area to have the chance to raise their voices, to be heard and in doing so give a voice to the thousands of children that have been silenced.

“I thought that it would be a brilliant opportunity for us local women and girls to stand together as part of a national day of peaceful marches that will be taking place simultaneously in towns and cities across the UK.

“All these marches are being organised on a local basis by and for ordinary women and girls, regardless of political views, race, religion or background. All with a shared goal to ensure and demand children’s safety, and that children’s safety is and remains the main goal and focus.

“The Million Women March movement has eight key demands: urgent changes in the law, tougher sentencing for crimes against children, real accountability from institutions and politicians that have repeatedly failed to protect children over decades, a cultural shift to end victim-blaming for crimes against them, better support for victims and their families, and just compensation.

“We also call for improved training for law enforcement, social care workers, the CPS and politicians; increased resources for investigations and specialised units to handle cases thoroughly and without bias, compromise or fear; a national inquiry into all cases of child abuse, exploitation, rape, trafficking and murder—rather than the current reports and inquiries, which, while excellent, have focused only on a few towns and incidents within this nationwide crisis; and, most importantly, that all children are given a voice, heard, and respected. They must no longer be silenced.

“Please spread the word and come on the day with mums, daughters, nannas, aunts, sisters and girlfriends to stand up for children and give them a voice. March in peace, share and connect with others, smile, and be proud.”

Daniela is also appealing for anyone who would be able to help volunteer at the event to get in touch.

She said, “We need volunteers to make up a small organising team to make the event happen and publicise it via social media. We need marshals for the day and people to bring high-vis jackets. We also need people to be speakers – this can be someone sharing their message, why they think it matters, feelings, experience if possible. Though this might be very challenging and we also need first aiders.”

To contact Daniela about volunteering visit the Million Women March Frome Facebook page.

Pictured: Daniela with her friend and husband