March calls for end to violence against women and girls

Protestors marched up and down King's Street during the demonstration

Almost 100 people joined a march in Jersey calling for an end to violence against women and girls.

The protest began at West Centre in St Helier at 11:30 GMT on Saturday and made its way to Charing Cross before returning to the centre.

People carried signs and wore bright orange wigs as part of United Nation’s (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, which is on Monday.

It was organised by the Soroptimist International Jersey group.

Suzi Mahe is campaigning for Jersey to introduce legislation outlawing non-fatal strangulation

The colour orange was chosen to represent anger over violence being carried out presently but also to show hope for change in the future, organisers said.

Suzie Mahe, a victim of rape and strangulation who has waived her right to anonymity, joined the march.

She the event was “really empowering” and “I hope that other women feel supported”.

“I hope that people can take away from today is that they don't have to feel alone and we’re all standing together to make change in Jersey,” Ms Mahe added.

She has called for the island to adopt legislation already in place in England and Wales to make non-fatal strangulation illegal, which will be lodged with the government next year.

Kate Wright has campaigned for women's rights and protections in Jersey

Kate Wright, CEO of the domestic abuse charity FREEDA , gave a speech at the end of the march.

She said “there was a great atmosphere” and “we had far more [attendees] than last year”.

Ms Wright added: “The message from the march is all about allyship. Together we can change the culture and the systems that currently enable violence against women and girls to continue.”

Lots of people on the march brought signs calling for change