'Midnight walk' at Hare Hill Park to reclaim the night and show support for victim of sexual assault

Hare Hill Park, Littleborough

Update 15 October: This community event has been cancelled.

A socially distanced ‘midnight walk’ to show support for the victim of the sexual assault reported in Hare Hill Park is taking place this Friday (16 October).

Rochdale resident, Claire Nolan is asking for people to meet near the bandstand in the park at 11.30pm to ‘reclaim the night’ in support for the young man who was sexually assaulted last week.

Read more: Police investigating sexual assault at Hare Hill ParkPublished: 09 October 2020

Those taking part are asked to walk in the direction of Rochdale for as far as you are able. Claire also asks that people wear masks and practice social distancing.

Claire said: “There have been comments online that only validate the attacker’s actions by referring to the time of night. This has been happening more and more in our town, and I for one am sick to the back teeth of it.

“This is my home, and these animals are not welcome here. I'm sure there are lots of decent people who feel the same. We should all feel safe, anywhere at any time. It's time we took a stand.

“I'm organising a midnight walk, for us all to reclaim the night. To show that we stand together, and will not be scared off by these disgusting creatures who steal dignity and ruin lives. We will not let them. Please come and join us; we need as many people as possible to make our voices heard.”