“All over the world, from major cities to tiny towns, Reclaim the Night carries the voices of women and our community saying no to violence against women and yes two healthy relationships,” Charlotte Young, CEO, Warrina Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services Co-operative in Coffs Harbour told News Of The Area.

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The Coffs Coast Committee Against Domestic and Family violence, which is made up of local frontline services, governments and non-government, is holding a local Reclaim the Night march, creating a space where women and the wider community can feel free to celebrate women’s right to safety.

“So often women feel afraid to be out alone at night.”

The march will congregate at the park next to the Hoey Moey in Ocean Parade at 5pm on Friday.

“At 5:30pm the group will walk along the promenade to the night markets where there will be closing words from a member of the committee.

“Please join us,” said Charlotte.

“Bring your whistles and tambourines, pots and wooden spoons.

“(We are) marching in solidarity, calling for safety at night for women in our community.

“Everybody is welcome as we know this is a serious community issue we want to see changed.”

According to research from the New South Wales Bureau of Crimes, Statistics and Research in 2022, 79 percent of sexual assault victims are women, marking an eight percent increase on 2021 statistics.

“We also know that one in eight boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of eighteen.”

Reclaim the Night has a long history in Australia with the first rallies being held in capital cities in the 1970s.

Reclaim the Night is about reclaiming public spaces for women.

Please note, the march will not go ahead if it is raining.

By Andrea FERRARI