In Their Shoes

Jayne Jackson, the photographer behind the multi award-winning ‘Asking for it’ project has set about collecting shoes and encouraging people to post images of their own shoes online. Why? 

Jayne is creating a visual ‘people free’ art piece, which is due to take place in Bournemouth on Thursday 18th March to visually raise awareness on sexual assault and help people show solidarity while still in lockdown. The public are being encouraged to donate shoes, which will later be donated to Shoeaid, rather than attend in person. 

Shoes have been chosen as a way to represent people who are unable to walk in protest.  It is also a metaphor of putting yourself in the shoes of women who often feel fear when walking alone or at night.  Shoes don’t have a gender, so anyone can post a picture and show their support and this will create a visual image of how many Dorset people want to see change happen.  It is also something easy to do at home and online, by posting a quick photo of your shoes, you are saying, ‘enough is enough, I support this’. 

People can support the movement by:

  • Donate shoes (this Tuesday & Wednesday ONLY) at:

BRANKSOME - 10 Winston Avenue, Branksome, BH12 1PE (box in porch)

FERNDOWN - The Manse, 29 Heath Farm Road, Ferndown,  BH22 8JN

CHRISTCHURCH - Somerford Arc, 20 Southey Road, Christchurch BH23 3EH

CHARMINSTER - St Andrews Parish Church, Bennett Rd, Charminster BH8 8QQ

You can also contact Jayne at [email protected] to arrange collection directly.  People can also show support by posting images of their own shoes on social media #intheirshoes. #takestand.

Jayne explains, ‘It is so important to talk about this issue. An investigation by UN Women UK found that 97% of women aged 18-24 have been sexually harassed, and it is time for change.  We owe it ourselves to future to build a society where people feel and are safe. 

The BCP Green Policing and Crime Spokesperson and internal nominee for the PCC elections Claire Seymour, explained, ‘This is an online protest, which I fully support in response to sexual violence and abuse within our communities. The Government estimates show that still only 17% of those subjected to sexual violence choose to report it to the Police. There is a real urgency to have a complete review of the criminal justice system in relation to sexual violence and abuse, along with sustained and substantial funding for specialist services for victims and survivors. As the BCPGP spokesperson it's my priority to work to influence local and national policy to reflect this".

For more information see Jayne’s webpage at:

https://www.jaynejacksonphotography.co.uk/-intheirshoes-takeastand-protest