Take back the night
Thursday 6 May saw dozens gather at Massey University, Palmerston North, to march in solidarity with survivors of sexual violence as recognition of Rape Awareness Week. Manawatū’s student-led division of Thursdays in Black (TiB), an international campaign against sexual violence, led the gathering at 6pm from the Massey campus on a four-kilometre march to The Square. Take Back the Night marches happen around the world, recognizing the dangers of being alone in the dark.
Massey student Alex Johnston said he was glad the march could go ahead this year, as it meant a lot to him. “Being out here, for me, means standing up for those of us who are always thinking twice about walking home at night, especially alone.”
It was emotional to witness such support for an issue that has touched too many lives. The New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey: Cycle 2 (Oct 2018 – Sep 2019) reported that almost 30 per cent of New Zealand adults have, at some point in their life, experienced sexual violence. Speeches at Thursday’s march stated that 1 in 6 children, and 1 in 6 adults are sexually abused. There were tears from some of the attendees, many of them there because they themselves or someone close to them are personally affected.
“We need to break down the silence,” Anne Kent urged, a manager at Abuse and Rape Crisis Support Manawatū, explaining that “one of the biggest contributing factors to sexual abuse being so widespread, generation after generation, is the silence and secrecy that surrounds it.”
There was lots of talk among the attendees regarding the shame of being a survivor of sexual assault. The NZ Crime and Victims Survey alarmingly reported 94% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police. There is a fear of judgement and denial that makes it even more difficult to speak out about an already very painful experience.
Anne Kent told the crowd they can support survivors not only by speaking out about it, but also by “challenging the language and beliefs that allow some people to think it’s okay to exert power and control over another”. She said it’s important to listen to survivors, believe them, and help them know that “they are not responsible for what has happened”. She also encouraged people in supporting everyone to get the help they need, both survivors and those who may or have caused harm to others. “It is all important and makes a difference.”
Kerry Howe, the driving force behind TiB Manawatū, has a vision for a better future, and organising events like this is one step on a long road to ending the silence around abuse.
TiB Manawatū are devoted to advocating safety and education for students, meeting regularly on Thursdays in the MUSA kitchen. So far, they are responsible for pushing the University to instigate legislation for a Harmful Sexual Behaviours policy that will ensure perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions, providing a suitable structure for dealing with these issues. They hope to achieve more going forward, such as providing more education surrounding consent and what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour. Anyone interested in supporting the cause are welcome to come along and get in touch.