| Content warning: This article includes reference to sexual harassment and violence and may be triggering to some readers. |
Reclaim The Night is a campaign by University of Manchester Students’ Union, championing for safer streets.
Whatever we wear, wherever we go, yes means yes, and no means no.
Join us in reclaiming the night and putting a stop to sexual harassment and gender-based violence across Manchester. Reclaim The Night is a yearly campaign run by students, for students, and represents resounding calls for better street safety from women, girls and people of marginalised genders everywhere. This year, we’ll be uniting under the theme of Convince Me Not – in a nod to the issue of coercion which is currently under-recognised as a crime.
Reclaim the Night March – 29 November 2023
The march is a cornerstone of Reclaim The Night, taking a new route down Oxford Road Corridor and into the city centre. This year we’re projecting the campaign’s message across the community with our powerful voices, placards and presence. This monumental event unites thousands of students across manchester and the wider community from all walks of life, brought together under the common goal of achieving safety and equality on our streets.
Reclaim The Night is more than a single event. Combining the march, our lobbying efforts, and its wide community reach, the campaign seeks to ingrain its message in collective consciousness. This is an opportunity to be part of a movement that dares to challenge norms and creates a world where safety is a birthright, not a privilege.
In the run up to the march, keep an eye out on the Students’ Union website and join one of our inspiring awareness events, where you can learn new skills and make connections. We’ll help you grow confidence in championing the safety of women, girls and people of marginalised genders everywhere!
Find out more and join the movement here.
Finding support
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual coercion, harassment or violence, please know there are services here to support you.
Advice and Response – A central support service at the University of Manchester that provide holistic, trauma-informed support to students who have experienced any form of gender-based violence, harassment or hate. The team is made up of specialist caseworkers who provide confidential, practical, and emotional support to students. You can contact Advice and Response via their Report + Support platform.
Student Union Advice Centre – We provide students with trained advisors and a confidential space to talk about anything that’s on your mind. The Advice Centre can also help you access additional support through the University and relevant external organisations.
Mental Health & Counselling Service – The University’s team of professional counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health workers offers confidential support.
The St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and Manchester Rape Crisis both have Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA’s) who are trained to look after the needs of a survivor of rape or sexual violence to ensure they receive the best possible care and understanding.
Survivors Manchester offers a range of services for men (including trans and non-binary individuals) who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives.
Galop is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people affected by sexual violence. Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (Excl. Bank Holidays): 10am – 4pm. The LGBT Foundation also provides a wide range of services by a team of dedicated staff and volunteers to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people. You can get in touch with them at 0345 3 30 30 30.
End the Fear provides support and help to anyone experiencing domestic and sexual violence or who knows someone who may be being abused in different areas of Greater Manchester Area. Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (Excl. Bank Holidays): 10am – 4pm And the National Domestic Abuse Helpline offers advice and support to women who are experiencing, or who have experienced domestic abuse. Opening Hours: Mon – Fri (Excl. Bank Holidays): 10am – 4pm, contact: 0808 2000 247.
Trafford Rape Crisis, Student drop-in
TRC Sexual Abuse and Rape Support Greater Manchester will be holding monthly drop-ins at the Students’ Union Advice Service (first floor of the Student’s Union). You can go to the drop-in for information, advice, support or just someone to talk to about any form of sexual violence, harassment, abuse or rape. This is not a clinical or therapeutic drop-in, simply just a safe space where you can talk to someone who understands sexual violence and has a knowledge of the help available in Greater Manchester. No matter when something happened, you can come along; If you are confused about exactly what happened, you can come along; and if you are worried about a friend or loved one, you can also come along.
Drop-in dates:
Dates for semester 1:
– Thursday 9th November 2023, 12pm – 2pm
– Thursday 7th December 2023, 12pm – 2pm
Dates for semester 2:
– Thursday 1st February 2024, 12pm – 2pm
– Thursday 7th March 2024, 12pm – 2pm
– Thursday 11th April 2024, 12pm – 2pm
– Thursday 2nd May 2024, 12pm – 2pm
Confidentiality: Trafford Rape Crisis (TRC) is an external service and independent of the University of Manchester. Their drop-in service is a confidential service and you do not need to disclose your personal details to them. If you do share personal details at the drop-in they will usually only share information with the University or other external third parties with your consent. If TRC do not have your consent they will not release information about you to third parties unless they have significant concerns about your wellbeing and/or safety, or the wellbeing and/or safety of other members of the University community.