{"id":339502,"date":"2023-10-27T21:20:09","date_gmt":"2023-10-27T11:20:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=339502"},"modified":"2023-10-27T21:22:25","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T11:22:25","slug":"marchers-reclaim-the-night-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2023\/10\/27\/marchers-reclaim-the-night-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Marchers Reclaim The Night"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The marchers return to the Glendon Street Forecourt after circling the CBD in a route that took them via local pubs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

October 27, 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n

The instruction went out on Thursday night … make as much noise as you like!<\/p>\n

Then the chanting began: “We reclaim the right, to walk the streets at night!” And then enthusiastic drumming, by students from St Mary’s Catholic College.<\/p>\n

Hopefully one day, Reclaim The Night marches won’t be necessary, but the horrific statistics about sexual assaults shared by speakers on Thursday night mean it won’t be any time soon.<\/p>\n

One in five women aged over 15 have experienced sexual violence … but, as the speakers emphasised, men and boys are often victims, too.<\/p>\n

Erin Jeffs, from Laurel Place, said everyone has the right to be safe and feel safe.<\/p>\n

She encouraged the marchers “to make some noise” about sexual violence.<\/p>\n

Laurel Place provides help, counselling and advice for women, children and teenagers (including boys up to 18 years) who have experienced sexual assault.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Q&A section from the stage covered how and where to get help and what to expect if you report sexual violence to police.<\/p>\n

Pre-recorded audio messages from sexual assault survivors, expressing hope and resilience, were played to the crowd.<\/p>\n

Trauma counsellors were also on hand in a “quiet space” if anyone wanted support.<\/p>\n

“Reclaim The Night” marches were revived in Kingaroy several years ago as part of Sexual Violence Awareness Month.<\/p>\n

This year, for the first time, a satellite event was also held at QEII Park in Murgon, featuring guest speakers and artworks.<\/p>\n

Art displays are also being projected on to the side of the Kingaroy peanut silos as part of this month’s activities.<\/p>\n