NEWS! Ballarat's Reclaim the Night making a stand for women's safety
- RTN Ballarat
- Feb 23, 2019
- 2 min read
By Siobhan Calafiore
LEADERSHIP: Ballarat Police Superintendent Jenny Wilson, WRISC Family Violence Support executive officer Libby Jewson and City of Ballarat councillor Belinda Coates will be guest speakers on the night, each focusing on a different topic.
A global protest aiming to eliminate violence against women may have started 40 years ago, but the message remains as relevant today.
Reclaim the Night is a march in solidarity demanding action on making the streets safe for women, children and men a reality not an exception.
Kate Poynter, who is organising Ballarat’s event alongside Catherine Farrah, said there would be three key focuses looking at violence in the streets, inside the home, and then towards the future.
“It is ridiculously sad that we’re still doing this and we know the crime rate for violence against the person is on the rise,” she said.
“Our theme is to embrace our spaces, where we should be safe and focusing on our voices – we want to be heard.
“We want to have safety in our homes, in our streets, in our workplaces and in our community.”
Organisers Kate Poynter and Catherine Farrah at last year's event.
Ms Poynter is hoping to see a range of people from all walks of life come together with their banners and share their voices for the cause.
“There will be chanting in the street, we do want to make some noise,” she said.
“And I think it is empowering, that community spirit of pulling together is something important and to feel like we are not isolated or alone.
“And for women living today with that fear of violence in their lives for themselves and their children, I think it is important for them to see that there is a community that cares about them.”
The event will feature guest speakers, including "Local Koorie Woman" Sissy Austin and special guests, Ballarat Police Superintendent Jenny Wilson, WRISC Family Violence Support executive officer Libby Jewson and City of Ballarat councillor Belinda Coates.
Mary Card and Paige Duggan will lead the Ballarat Community Pop-Up Street Choir with the public encouraged to join in.
A social media “I Will” campaign in the lead up to the event launched on Tuesday to encourage conversation and a commitment towards a collective solution within the community.
Reclaim the Night Ballarat will be held on Friday, November 16, from 7pm, starting at Alfred Deakin Place and ending at Trades Hall.
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