Salford campaigners are marching tonight to call for an end to violence against women.
As they head for a Reclaim the Night protest, Salford women said they felt a stronger police presence was needed for them to feel safe when out alone in the city.
Salford resident Nicola said: “We need more police on foot. We used to have police patrolling the area – that makes you feel safer.
“With everything that’s going on in the city, in the world…living in Salford, I definitely don’t feel safe.
“I think all women should take martial arts classes so they can physically defend themselves.”
Only 83.4% of women aged 16-25 feel safe in their local area compared to 89% of men of the same age, according to Partners in Salford’s most recent Community Safety Strategy.
Salford mum, Allison said she worries about her daughters when they’re out for work.
A young Salford woman said: “I wouldn’t go out at night walking on my own – unless it was somewhere really well lit and there was lots of people around.”
Women are often told to take extra precautions when travelling alone. Some locals told us they think women shouldn’t have to take these measures just to feel safe.
“I think it’s ridiculous that we have to but I would always walk with somebody else. I would tell people where I’m going and it’s really sad that the world is like that,” another woman told us.
Salford also has the second highest rate of domestic abuse in Greater Manchester, with the number of recorded domestic abuse incidents having increased every year since 2024.
Salford University Student Union is supporting the event and has organised transport for students to attend the Reclaim the Night march tonight.
The march will be taking place tonight at 7pm, starting on Oxford Road, Manchester, and ending at Castlefield Bowl at 9pm.
