Reclaim UK Map
Reclaim UK Map is a grassroots project to map instances of harassment towards women and girls and marginalised genders on the streets and in public spaces across the UK. It started as Reclaim Blackpool in April 2021, following the brutal murder of Sarah Everard and the subsequent cry from women across the country to Reclaim These Streets. At the same time a new survey by UN Women revealed that 97% of women have been sexually harassed in public spaces and 96% of them do not report those situations because they believe it will not change anything. This project aims to challenge that.
Who we are
Reclaim UK Map physically maps instances of harassment towards women and marginalised genders. People visit our website to record their story which is then plotted on an interactive map.
Reclaim UK Map is organised and led by a board of community activists and supported by a wider group of activists.
Aims
Empower
Reclaim Blackpool empowers people to speak up against sexual harassment. It challenges a culture of silence and dismissal of these experiences and enables women and marginalised genders to reclaim the power that is taken from them when they become victims of harassment and abuse.
How: By telling stories and sharing experiences via our online maps and at in person events and groups. By promoting empowerment through a programme of events and resources.
Educate
By demonstrating the harmful effects of sexual harassment, the importance healthy relationships and women’s rights. We aim to provide a counter narrative to the prolific misogynistic culture boys are exposed to and create strong male allies and bystanders willing to stand up to and against toxic male behaviour.
How: Through outreach, workshops, events and on our online maps and social media.
Effect change
To have a real and tangible impact on the safety of women and marginalised genders in public spaces.
How: Through the existence of our online map, identifying problem areas and using evidence gathered to challenge misogynistic cultures and attitudes among individuals, organisations and people in positions of power – holding them to account and creating allies.
How we are funded
Reclaim UK largely operates without funds, relying on voluntary work of activists/organisers. We are committed to paying hosts and performers for Reclaim UK events as we recognise that you cannot empower women and marginalised genders without paying them. Events are funded through donations and aim to be self-sustainable. We also apply for grant funding, with our most recent support coming from the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) funding for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
FAQs
Who can plot their story?
Women and marginalised genders. These groups are disproportionately the victims of sexual harassment and assault. We recognise that our gender, sexuality, race, religion or disability can impact the specific way we experience sexual harassment or assault. We aim to be inclusive of these experiences. We recognise that this is an issue that can also affect cis men. If you are a man, boy or non-binary person more comfortable with male-centred support, and affected by sexual violence please visit survivorsuk.org.
What can I plot on the map?
Incidents may be recent or historical, serious or minor – every experience is valid in demonstrating the extent to which sexual harassment exists. We regret that we cannot plot domestic violence, instances outside of the United Kingdom, or cases where cis men are targeted. Please visit the support section of reclaimukmap.co.uk to access the help you need.
How can I get involved?
Reclaim UK Map is always open to feedback and support. If you have ideas, suggestions or would like to get involved in any way, head over to our contact page to share your thoughts.
What support can Reclaim give me?
While we are a collective of activists who support each other informally with peer support, we have gathered a list of organisations who can offer specialist support to victims of sexual violence. https://reclaimukmap.co.uk/support/
What do you do with funds raised?
Reclaim largely operates without funds, relying on voluntary work of activists/organisers. We also pay for resources and materials. We are committed to paying hosts and performers for Reclaim UK events as we recognise that you cannot empower women and marginalised genders without paying them. Events are funded through donations and aim to be self-sustainable.
Please note, in a bid to amplify women’s voices, stories recorded here may be quoted in press articles, books or used in future art projects. We regret that we cannot plot instances of domestic violence, those outside of the United Kingdom, or cases where cis men are targeted. Please visit the support section to access the help you need.