RECLAIM the Night marches are taking place around the world on Friday, October 25 – including in Coffs Harbour.

The Coffs Coast Committee Against Domestic and Family Violence, which is made up of local government and non-government frontline services, is hosting the local march; creating a space where women and the wider community can feel free to celebrate their right to safety.

“Everyone’s welcome to support the march,” said Charlotte Young, the CEO of the Warrina Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services Co-operative in Coffs Harbour.

“We will be gathering at the park next to the Hoey Moey, Ocean Parade, at 5.30pm and marching to the night markets at six o’clock.”

Reclaim the Night is a global movement that raises awareness, empowers individuals, inspires action and demands change to bring an end to sexual violence in communities.

Coordinated women’s marches against sexual harassment and rape first started in Europe and the USA in the mid-1970s.

The first Reclaim the Night march in the UK was in 1977 in Leeds.

It was partly in response to the “Yorkshire Ripper” murders and the police response, which was to tell women not to go out at night unless absolutely necessary.

Those early Reclaim the Night marches made it clear that women should not be restricted or blamed because of men’s violence.

In Australia, the first Reclaim the Night marches were held a year later in Sydney and Perth.

The focus remains on sexual violence but, since then, Reclaim the Night has evolved to highlight other forms of violence against women.

It is also a show of resistance, strength and unity.

“We march because we believe everyone has the right to feel safe and to be safe,” Ms Young told the News Of The Area.

“The marches… honour those without a voice and remember those whose voices have been silenced.”

Organisers would like participants to make some noise to draw attention to the cause.

“Bring your drums and whistles and share the message of the right for women to walk and live free of violence and abuse.

“Samba soul drummers will lead the procession from the park and Tehani hip hop dancers will perform for us at the market at the close of the event.”

The event will be cancelled if it’s raining.

By Andrea FERRARI