'˜They cut '“ we bleed': Protest over funding for domestic violence services

Crowds gathered at Churchill Square for the Sisters Uncut demonstration

Activist group Sisters Uncut organised a protest on International Women's Day (March 8) to stand in solidarity with strikers in Spain and to talk about the effects of cuts to domestic violence services.

The group is best known for its demonstration at the Suffragette premiere in 2015 and again at the Baftas this year.

Bryony May, 25, a freelance artist said: “I’m here because equality has not happened yet.”

May said they had grown up being told all their value was attached to whether men found them attractive or not and had been in several abusive relationships.

Protestors said in 2015-16, 105 homelessness applications were made in Brighton and Hove due to domestic violence but only 38 could be accepted.

Green Party councillor Alex Phillips spoke at the protest and said the party’s gender equality manifesto seeks to reverse cuts to domestic violence services.

Ms Phillips said the manifesto includes implementing UK-wide strategy including working with perpetrators and ensuring safe and secure housing for those who cannot otherwise escape abuse.

Sisters Uncut will be holding a meeting at BHASVIC on Wednesday, March 14, to recruit people interested in getting involved with the collective.