On the Brink in Assen, 86 red shoes ask for attention. From red lacquered high heels to red worn-out sneakers, each pair of shoes represents a woman who was murdered by a partner or ex-partner.
The shoes were placed by the women of the municipal council, united in the women’s council, confirms councilor Adinda Bornkamp. “We do it purely to ask for attention. It happens too much.”
According to Bornkamp, more attention to femicide is urgently needed, especially in Assen. “Unfortunately we have had two sad incidents. But of course it must also be promoted nationally and provincially.”
The promotion is part of Orange the World’s global campaign. an organization that fights violence against women and girls. The campaign in Assen is supported by the Soroptimists and Zonta.
Soroptimist Marja Janssens wants to remind bystanders of their responsibility. “It is of course also about transgressive behavior. At work, in your environment, in the catering industry. If you, as a bystander, see something, you say ‘guys, I’ll keep an eye on this, I’m going to take action on this, or report’.”
The municipality has an action plan against femicide and violence against women. According to Mayor Marco Out, this also means that a report can be made more easily and it is clearer where people can go with their report. “If we pay attention together, I think we can prevent more.”