WOMEN shouldn’t walk alone at night.
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It’s that message and violence against women that hundreds will march against in Armidale.
Domestic Violence Steering Committee member Jane Guilfoyle said the show of solidarity gives power back to survivors.
“The statistic is one woman is murdered every week at the hands of a partner or ex-partner – that statistic isn’t falling it’s increasing,” she said.
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“It's hard to crack that cycle of violence when you don’t have the skills, but the women I’ve met who’ve done it are incredibly brave and gutsy.”
Reclaim the Night started in the 70s to challenge violence against women, and in Armidale community members will march to reclaim a time that brings fear with it.
Armidale is ranked number 19 out of 120 Local Government Area’s for incidents of domestic violence, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research evidence shows, while Glen Innes comes tenth and Moree second.
Ms Guilfoyle said the media often shows incidents of violence against women occurring at night time.
“Violence against women is a big problem everywhere, and there’s a lot of data,” she said.
“19 out of the top 20 government areas are in rural and remote areas, particularly in rural areas with geographical isolation, women are more likely to be exposed to firearms on farms.
“There are unique issues that women face in these areas, and there’s less services to help them.”
THE FACTS:
- One in three women have experienced physical violence since age 15
- One in five Australian women have experienced sexual violence
- Of women who experience violence, more than half have children in their care
- There is growing evidence that women with disabilities are more likely to experience violence
- Women are five times more likely than men to report fearing for their lives
Keynote speakers on both national and local levels will talk about their experiences with violence at the event, with market stallholders, food trucks and community service operators available in the mall.
An art exhibition run by primary schools will be shown in front of the old Courthouse.
It’s an opportunity to recognise that domestic violence isn’t just a problem for low income families, Ms Guilfoyle said.
“Unfortunately we live in a society where we have a high level of violence and women are very vulnerable,” she said.
“Domestic violence is everywhere, it’s in rich families and it’s in poor families.
“It’s not a cultural thing, it’s not an income thing, it’s in our everyday life.”
Reclaim the Night is on Friday May 4 from 6pm to 8:30pm in the Central Mall.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
