The Brisbane Reclaim the Night Collective released this statement on October 16.
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Reclaim the Night is a global event where women stand up against sexual violence and communities take control and respond to sexual violence against women. The event is held globally on the last Friday of October.
The Reclaim the Night Brisbane event will demand an end to sexual violence against women. The night will consist of a rally and march throughout the streets in Brisbane. The theme this year is “It’s time to end rape culture”.
One in three women experience sexual violence within their lives. The tragic death of a local woman, Joan Ryther, exemplifies sexual violence occurring within our communities. It also highlights the realm of hidden sexual violence throughout communities.
The hit song “Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke is a prime example of sexualising women and accepting unhealthy attitudes towards sex and consent. Rape culture is the condoning and normalizing of physical, emotional and sexual terrorism against women and girls and marginalised subjects. This song exemplifies how rape culture exists within society and lyrics such as "I know you want it" enforce victim blaming rape myths that need to be stopped.
Women will come together at Reclaim the Night to demand the right to live free lives without sexual violence. Globally, this issue continues to need support to eradicate sexual violence within all societies.
Reclaim the Night campaigns for an end to sexual violence in all forms; we must transform the cultures in which we are living to help transform a society which blames survivors, laughs at rape jokes and objectifies mostly women’s bodies.
It’s time to end rape culture.
[The rally will be held at 5pm at Queens Park, Brisbane on on October 25. It is for women and children only. ]