Southampton campaigners protest for women's safety

More than 20 people gathered in Guildhall Square on Saturday to protest against the "lack of action taken" to protect those who use the city parks.

It comes after the reported rape of a 14-year-old girl in Houndwell Park in February. 

The group walked through Watts Park, East Park, and Palmerston Park before taking their protest through the high street.

Protestors were chanting "What do we want? Safer streets. When do we want it? Now" and carrying signs reading "Andrew Tate? Nah mate", "Educate your sons" and "Make the Common safe". 

Organised by university student and Southampton local Meg Parker, this protest is just the beginning of making the parks safer - especially for women.

Meg Parker in Palmerston Park (Image: Newsquest) Meg, who has lived in the city all her life, said: "We should not have to live in fear, yet this is the reality for women and girls in Southampton.

"Public places in Southampton should be safe and we deserve a city where women can live without fear.

"We refuse to accept this as normal and it is time for change. We demand action.

"Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is still happening and it is not going away."

READ MORE: Women back calls for CCTV as Echo launches Reclaim Our Parks campaign

The protest formed part of Meg's The Places We Fear postcard project, where she photographs areas of the city where women feel unsafe or have been sexually assaulted.

The photos are accompanied by testimonies - from men and women - with the aim of highlighting the scale of the issue in the city. 

Protestors in Southampton on Saturday (Image: Newsquest) Most of the places are parks and open spaces in the city, which are often hotspots for violent and sexual crime against women and girls in the summer months.

Chief Inspector Chris Douglas, the deputy commander for Southampton, said prevention is the "best route" to tackle VAWG.

"There are a lot of opportunities to make spaces safer, and we do that by working with our partners", he said.

Environmental changes, such as lighting, increased patrols, and engagement are just some of the things that can be done to help, Inspector Douglas said.