Eastbourne marks the end of 16 Days of Activism with march through town centre

The event was organised by Councillor Teri Sayers-Cooper, Eastbourne's Women and Girls' Rights Champion, in collaboration with Clare Hackney Ring of community group Our Neighbourhood, which runs the Flourish and Thrive project, a support group for women who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Cllr Teri Sayers-Cooper, Women and Girls' Rights Champion, said: "These women have been silenced for far too long. Today they stood together, visible and unapologetic, reminding Eastbourne that this issue sits on our doorstep. Their bravery demands action from all of us."

Women participating in the Flourish and Thrive group carried banners and chanted to underscore their message that 'violence and abuse must stop'.

During the campaign, Our Neighbourhood held a creative workshop where survivors, victims and supporters designed banners and handmade flowers carried on the day.

As they marched, women along the way were offered orange flowers, the international colour of the 16 Days movement, symbolising hope, solidarity, and a shared commitment to ending gender-based violence.

At Bankers Corner, speakers shared their harrowing experiences, and called for continued community action, better support for survivors, and a united front against abuse and violence against women and girls.

Clare Hackney Ring, of Our Neighbourhood and Flourish and Thrive, said: "Every banner, every flower, and every voice represented a story of survival for a woman. This march is not just symbolic, it is a declaration that abuse must end, and that no woman should ever feel alone."

The organisers are calling on local residents, organisations, and leaders to challenge attitudes that enable abuse, support services that protect victims and survivors, speak up if they suspect someone may be at risk and advocate for stronger resources and prevention programmes.

Councillor Sayers-Cooper added: "Ending violence against women and girls requires a community. Silence protects the abuser, voices protect the survivor."

Flourish and Thrive offers emotional support, peer networks, confidence-building activities, and pathways to specialist services. Phone 07902 214809.

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