Sexual abuse survivors’ walk country
A walk led by two sexual abuse survivors to raise awareness and support survivors has been described as a necessity for Aotearoa to tackle widespread harm caused by sexual abuse.
Sisters Libby Taylor and Kate Hattaway set out on their 2100km journey from Cape Re¯ inga on October 1, setting foot in Wellington for one of their 30 support walks yesterday.
Through their walk called REOSA – Ripple Effects of Sexual Abuse, the pair hoped to raise awareness and support others who had experiences like theirs, as well as embark on their own healing journey.
About 14 people gathered on the waterfront yesterday wearing fluorescent yellow – to highlight the issue of sexual abuse around the motu. It was their 19th support walk of 30 that the sisters planned.
Amongst the group was Green Party co-leader and minister for the prevention of family violence and sexual violence, Marama Davidson.
Davidson said the walk created a safe space for survivors, validating their experience while also spreading awareness about the impact sexual abuse had on peoples’ lives.
‘‘This is what we need to see around the country,’’ she said. ‘‘Their walk across Aotearoa is helping shine a light on the lasting impacts and ripple effects from the trauma of sexual violence which is so important for shifting the way we support victim-survivors.’’
Community-led action was important for survivors to communicate what needed to be done better and was in line with Te Aorerekura – a strategy released last year, aimed at helping to stamp out family and sexual violence, Davidson said.
Represented in the initiative’s name, she said the effects of violence ‘‘ripples into our whakapapa and our country’’.
She supported the initiative and highlighted the importance of survivors feeling safe to share their experiences. ‘‘That is exactly what we need to be doing.’’
Hattaway said the walk was about sending a ‘‘strong message of hope’’.
The sisters would continue their walk in the South Island, finishing their journey in Bluff in November.