The voices of domestic violence (DV) victims will be heard loud and clear at the Reclaim the Night walk in Lake Macquarie this week.
The global movement, which strives to give women a chance to reclaim the streets at night, is scheduled to take place along the Warners Bay Foreshore from 6pm on Friday 28 October.
Hosted by Lake Macquarie City Council and the Domestic Violence Committee, made up of representatives from NOVA for Women, East Lakes Family Support Services and CALM, it kicks off with a free barbecue and music.
Heal for Life founder Liz Mullinar AM said she was delighted be a guest speaker at the event.
“For me, Reclaim the Night stands for women and kids being able to reclaim their lives and heal,” she explained.
“I founded Heal for Life because I am a survivor of child sexual assault and there were no services to understand our needs for healing.
“And, the demand for our assistance grows and grows.”
Ms Mullinar will be joined by local students, who will talk about their experience with a program known as Love Bites, which educates teenagers about how to prevent domestic violence.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Kay Fraser said men were encouraged to take part in the walk, too, alongside women and children.
“Society needs to recognise that everyone should be part of the solution,” she stated.
“This is all about raising awareness for those in need, by raising awareness within our community and bringing everyone together.”
The first Reclaim the Night rally was conducted in Belgium in 1976 by women attending the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women.
They held candles and marched to protest the ways violence permeates the lives of women globally.
Australia came on board in 1978 and Reclaim the Night continues as an annual event, demanding an acceptable response to violence against women in our community and worldwide.
More information can be found at lakemac.com.au.
FOOTNOTE: Another rally is also planned for Hamilton’s Gregson Park on Friday 28 October from 5.30pm.
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