The Reclaim the Night rally on Thursday evening, October 25, is open to everyone, according to Brenda Beauchamp of the Glen Innes Community Centre.

Ms Beachamp is a member of the Safe In Our Town steering committee which is organising the march.

The march was born back in the time of the Yorkshire Ripper’s reign of terror in Britain in the 1970’s when police attempted to enforce a curfew on women.

This victim-blaming move was given short shrift, echoing even-earlier European efforts to resist restrictions being placed on women rather than the perpetrators of the crimes.

Ms Beachamp said the rally is to raise awareness about violence towards women and to put issues of safety on the agenda, and to applaud those women who have overcome violence in their lives. 

Appreciating that men too can be victims and are often first-responders in cases of violence and go on to suffer the impacts, they are encouraged to march alongside the women, as are children.

The rally begins in Town Square at 5pm, proceeding down to Anzac Park where there will be a sausage sizzle and water available.

A number of speakers will share their personal experiences of violence in relationships, and demonstrate that perpetrators often aren’t strangers.

Participants are also urged to bring along their own signs or placards in a safe and empowering event.

In the event of heavy rain or storms, the barbecue and speeches will take place under cover in front of the Community Centre.

Bring along blankets or chairs to sit on. The event is scheduled to wrap up around 7pm.