Students march in defiance of sexual violence
‘‘No more silence, end the violence’’ echoed through central Palmerston North as dozens of people marched in the dark to support survivors of sexual violence.
About 80 people walked from Massey University on Tennent Dr to The Square – Temarae o Hine on Thursday night in solidarity with women who walk in fear.
The march was led by Thursdays in Black Manawatu¯, a group that is part of a student-led campaign against rape and sexual violence for Rape Awareness Week.
Thursdays in Black member and student Leolameynell said sexual violence in tertiary education was common and something needed to change.
A report from Otago University’s Sexual Violence Support and Prevention Centre last year showed that 28 per cent of the 1500 tertiary students surveyed had experienced sexual violence, and 15 per cent had experienced rape.
Meynell said there was a narrative of shame associated with being a survivor of sexual violence and the more it was talked about, the better. She would like to see a consent training programme in education, and wraparound services for survivors.
‘‘We want people to come forward and get support.’’
A nationwide survey conducted by Thursdays in Black in 2017 found most of the 1403 respondents described the quality and timeliness of support at their institution as average.
People said waiting times were too long, and caps on access to free support services at institutions were harmful.
Event MC Abi Symes said it was amazing to see so many people at the march, striving to make change.
‘‘I just think it’s so important to have these conversations and raise awareness.’’
She said there was a stereotype that sexual assault was a dirty thing that shouldn’t be talked about.
‘‘We need to bring it forward, and change the narrative to support survivors.’’
Bachelor of Arts student Georgia Berg said she was marching for a family member who had experienced sexual violence.
‘‘It’s important for me to stand up for her and all survivors.’’
Abuse and Rape Crisis Support Manawatu¯ manager Anne Kent said an average of one in six people experienced sexual violence in New Zealand.
She said it was important for people to talk about sexual violence, and remove the shame.
It was equally important to support people who might be thinking about or harming other people.
Abuse and Rape Crisis Support offered support and counselling for survivors of sexual violence, and people with harmful sexual behaviours could access help at Wellstop.