On Monday 22 March at 6PM, Knot Our City will kick-start a week-long visual display in various locations across Greater Manchester to safely unify those who wish to grieve and actively pay their respects to Sarah Everard, and all victims and survivors of violent or sexual criminal behaviour. This peaceful act will adhere to Covid-19 regulations and Government safety guidelines.
The public interest in issues of gender-based violence is significantly growing. Knot Our City notes that Greater Manchester Police recorded approximately 3,800 rape and attempted rape offences in 2019.
However, a recent inspection report estimated that the force did not record over 80,100 crimes in 2020. “A very high proportion of these unrecorded crimes involved cases amounting to domestic abuse, including behavioural crimes such as harassment, stalking and coercive controlling behaviour.”
As a symbol of solidarity, the campaign will encourage people to tie ribbons in St Peter’s Square – the main hub – as well as other locations across all Greater Manchester boroughs. Beginning on Monday 22 March 2021 at 6PM, people within close proximity to St Peter’s Square are invited to come and join Knot Our City to queue up, pay their respects, and tie a ribbon.
When attending the St Peter’s Square visual display on Monday 22 March 2021 at 6PM, participants are encouraged to maintain social distancing throughout. Queuing in ones or twos (if part of the same household or support bubble), rather than in groups, is advised and preferred. A Track & Trace check-in QR code will be available on site for participants to scan accordingly.
A small number of pre-cut ribbons will be available for participants to collect for free from specific locations in the City Centre (the details of which can be found on our Instagram page). Participants are also welcome and encouraged to bring their own ribbons. The main colour theme will pay tribute to the Suffragettes colour scheme – purple for loyalty and dignity, white for purity, and green for hope. In line with this, Knot Our City is paying homage to Manchester’s very own Emmeline Pankhurst by choosing St Peter’s Square as the main location for this visual display.
Alice Woods from Knot Our City says: “We must be able to remember all women, and everyone who has survived an attack, and all the victims who have lost their lives as a result of violence perpetrated on our streets. This visual demonstration is symbolic of that: showing respect for those survivors and victims and taking control of our streets. Join us and tie a ribbon. And let’s fight together for safe streets.”
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