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In Belfast, rising concerns over the formation of vigilante groups have ignited public discourse on women's safety and community cohesion. Reclaim the Agenda (RTA), a coalition comprising feminist, youth, LGBTQ+, and community organisations, is set to hold its annual Reclaim the Night rally, spotlighting the underlying threats posed by these self-proclaimed protectors.
Reclaim the Night rallies have a long history, originating in the 1970s as night-time protests against sexual violence, reclaiming urban spaces for women who felt unsafe due to the threat of male violence. These events have grown globally, advocating for safer streets and communities free from gender-based violence. Founded in 2010 by feminist activist Helen Crickard, RTA continues this legacy as a vocal advocate against gender-based violence and societal divisiveness. Crickard argues that the emergence of vigilante and far-right factions does not enhance women's safety; rather, it exacerbates existing threats and creates new risks.
"The vigilante groups have been out; they’re out rioting, and they’re terrifying all the women and girls,"
she stated, emphasising that resorting to violence only breeds more violence.
Recent incidents reported include the patrolling of areas in east Belfast by such groups, allegedly involving assaults on migrant men. These actions parallel earlier race riots in regions like Ballymena, where the groups purportedly aimed to protect local women and children. The causes of these riots often stem from heightened tensions fuelled by misinformation and distrust towards minority communities, with lasting impacts on social cohesion and safety. However, Ms Crickard pointed out that nearly half of those arrested in connection with these riots had histories of domestic abuse, questioning their claims of safeguarding women.
A troubling instance of enabling violence was seen when a group known as 'Pink Ladies', affiliated with an anti-Islam rally, distributed knuckledusters in ‘safety bags’ to women outside Belfast City Hall. Such actions, Crickard insists, fail to address the root causes of violence against women, which are deeply embedded and normalised within society itself. The real threat, she contends, comes not from imagined outsiders, but from within the societal fabric that often overlooks domestic violence.
In advocating for change, RTA underscores the importance of comprehensive relationships and sexuality education (RSE) in schools.
"That's where you can ground young children in what is a good, healthy relationship, what are healthy boundaries, what is acceptable behaviour and what is not – and that's the critical key,"
Crickard asserts.
The forthcoming Reclaim the Night event, scheduled for November 29, will see a convergence of women, LGBTQ+ members, and allies at Writer's Square. The march through central Belfast aims to amplify voices against gender-based violence as part of the United Nations Global 16 Days of Activism. Notable speakers include Palestinian activist Rita Aburahama, and other distinguished personalities committed to advocating for safe, inclusive communities.
As Belfast grapples with the challenges presented by vigilante activism, direct quotes from individuals involved in these groups highlight their belief in protecting their communities, though their methods remain controversial. Community members affected by these groups express concerns about escalating violence and the disruption of community harmony. The call for community-driven solutions that foster understanding and respect is more crucial than ever. The upcoming rally not only serves as a protest but as a beacon of hope for a future grounded in equality and justice for all.