Reclaiming the night

Abbigail Hilton-Casey, 21, captured unrest in art when she photographed for Reclaim the Night Leeds’s ’97%’ exhibition.

I didn’t start out with the intention to do the project, I just had so much rage and I didn’t know what to do with it. 

I remember reading about Sarah Everard’s death on Twitter and feeling my heart sink. It was so grim I didn’t want to think about it, but it started so many conversations. 

I couldn’t stop thinking about every horrific story friends had told me and every time I’ve walked home at night with my keys between my knuckles. 

After days of hearing more and more stories from other girls my anxiety turned to anger. That’s when I reached out to Reclaim the Night Leeds and talked about doing photos for them. 

I put a post out on Facebook and was overwhelmed by the number of women who reached out and wanted to take part – I felt like we were taking the power back. 

I photographed the girls in places in Leeds where they’ve felt uncomfortable walking home at night. It was a really emotional project to work on but I was so proud of the girls who took part and the work I’ve made.