Organisers of an anti-domestic and sexual violence rally in Newcastle this weekend, which will double as a memorial for slain Hunter mum Mackenzie Anderson, are anticipating a big crowd.
Hosted by local activists What Were You Wearing?, the March to end Domestic and Sexual Violence is set to start at 2pm from Newcastle Museum on Saturday 23 July.
Participants will then travel along Honeysuckle Drive, arriving at Nobbys Beach, where they’ll hear from guest speakers while attending a BBQ (with vegan options).
In case of inclement weather, people will instead progress towards The Station.
Ms Anderson was brutally murdered at her Mayfield home in March, allegedly stabbed by her ex-boyfriend.
At the time, Newcastle City Police District Commander Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey described the scene as “horrendous”.
But, tragically, a woman – on average – is killed every nine days by a current or former partner in Australia.
“We are marching to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence, as well as publicly call upon politicians to implement systemic and institutional change,” said What Were You Wearing? founder Sarah Williams, who’ll also speak at the event.
“One-in-six women and one-in-16 men have experienced violence inflicted by an intimate partner.
“We demand to be more than just a statistic.
“An essential needs (toiletries and personal sanitary items) donation drive will also take place for individuals escaping domestic violence within the Hunter region.
“All collected goods will be distributed by the Newcastle Domestic Violence Committee.”
Other voices on Saturday include NSW Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and Shadow Minister for Women, Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison and the late Ms Anderson’s mother, Tabitha Acret.
She’ll share her and Mackenzie’s story, plus talk about the importance of having a wider conversation about violence against women and the value of gender equality.
“We need these cases reported on,” Ms Acret recently told the media.
“Mackenzie’s murder received a lot of attention – likely due to her appearance and images.
“What upsets me is that an Indigenous woman died a couple of weeks before my daughter, as did an Asian woman the week after.
“Both cases received little attention in comparison.
“I don’t want another woman, another child, to be without their parents.”
For more details, go to www.whatwereyouwearingaus.com
If you feel the need to speak to someone, phone:
- 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) – the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
- 1800 015 188 – 24/7 Family Violence Response Line
- 1800 424 017 – NSW Sexual Violence Helpline
- 1800 211 028 – Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service
- 1800 943 539 – Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline
- 1800 497 212 – Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline
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