Runners highlight women's winter exercise fears

Katie Cartwright said she had suffered abuse while running in Jersey at night

More than 100 runners wore bright lights to raise awareness of the need for women to feel safe when out running at night.

Groups in Jersey gathered at various locations on the Waterfront on Tuesday evening to join the national Let's Lift the Curfew campaign which showcases women's stories and concerns about being active outdoors in the darker months.

In 2023 a Violence Against Women and Girls taskforce highlighted night-time safety as one of the main areas of concern in Jersey.

In June, a report found the government was making progress with the 77 recommendations.

Katie Cartwright, from Jersey Spartans, helped organise the athletics club's event where more than 100 runners took part in the 5km (3.1 mile) run.

She said: "It's a really great cause. I just think it's important for everyone to feel safe in what they're doing.

"Unfortunately, I have experienced a number of times where people have shouted at me, pushed me, or I just feel slightly intimidated; and that's definitely when it's dark."

The club hoped the event would help more people realise the dangers and challenges women faced while out running in the dark.

Supt Alison Fossey has been overseeing work to improve women's safety

Supt Alison Fossey, who is the violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategic lead, said: "Anyone experiencing any kind of aggression or feeling threatened should contact the police."

But she advised women to "always try to run where it's well-lit" and in familiar areas.

She added: "We always are abreast of all the crime reports coming in, looking for hotspots, and areas where we can target either by visible policing or by improved safety measures like extra cameras."

Bex Harris from Jersey Rock and Road runners wants to help organise more awareness events

Bex Harris, from Rock and Road runners, helped organise another run in Jersey to spread the campaign and said: "It's just not safe for women to be running outside on their own without taking some really necessary precautions now the clocks have gone back.

"It can absolutely be a bigger event next year and it's lovely to see it's happening more and more with the different run clubs collaborating together."

Dozens of runners joined Ms Harris as well as members from all-women group – Jersey Girls Run.

Campaigner Kate Wright was encouraged by the show of support for women in the island

Kate Wright, who is the chair of the Violence Against Women and Girls taskforce, and the CEO of Jersey's women's refuge – FREEDA, said "there have been unfortunately too many instances of where women have been harassed or had a very negative experience alone in the evening" and "it is a very real issue for women".

"Why should we have to change our behaviour when men don't have to? So these campaigns are important because they surface those fears and as a community and I think we can help address them."

Kate Dale, from This Girl Can, said its Let's Lift the Curfew campaign was about "challenging what has become a normality" and "I am so excited that Jersey is taking part this year".

Ms Dale added: "Violence against women and girls cuts across all locations, classes, income levels or demographic characteristics so it absolutely is something that needs to be tackled, challenged and, discussed everywhere."