What Were You Wearing march in Newcastle calls for an end to sexual assault

Sexual assault advocacy organisation What Were You Wearing? organised the Saturday protest against sexual violence to coincide with Sexual Assault Awareness Month. It followed on from a similar event on March 29 which focused on domestic violence.

What Were You Wearing Australia founder Sarah Williams said while the rainy weather affected numbers, with about 150 people in attendance, she was pleased to see people still come out to demand change.

At the end of the march from Newcastle Museum to Nobbys, heartbreaking stories of sexual violence were shared by organisers and attendees who spoke about not being believed, and the effects that had on them.

What Were You Wearing Australia founder Sarah Williams shared her own experience of sexual assault and her continuing quest for justice since.

"A year on, I'm still waiting every single day to hear from the police if my case is enough to go to court," she said.

"Three hundred and sixty five days of not knowing if I'll be heard, believed or ever get the justice I deserve."

Ms Williams acknowledged that justice comes in many forms, and didn't want her experience to deter people from coming forward, but said reporting sexual assault was important to protect other victims and deter perpetrators.

What Were You Wearing president Jas Taylor agreed, but also spoke about why some people don't come forward.

"Victim blaming happens all too often," Ms Taylor told the crowd.

"Obviously that narrative needs to change and it starts with all of us. All of you just being here today is obviously the first step in making change.

"Protesting is important. A lot of people may not think so but it is usually how change happens."

Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL) CEO Kerrie Thompson said her organisations saw people who had been impacted by many crimes, but the most common were domestic violence and sexual assault.

"Many, many of those people that come through our doors haven't reported to police," she said.

"It's shocking that the Hunter region is one of the highest regions in NSW for sexual assault.

"But the rising statistics that the Hunter is known for also tells us another important factor, and it's one that we can't ignore. It tells us that people are willing to speak out, people are willing to report these statistics.

"So while there's a rising statistic that tells us that sexual violence in the Hunter region is rife, and happens daily, it also tells us that people of the Hunter region are having a voice. You're willing to speak up, you're willing to say enough is enough, and you're willing to make those reports, and that's what we want to see."

Ms Williams said the organisation was planning to organise a march in Sydney and to use their platform for legislative change to issues including "stealthing" (the secret removal of a condom during sex without the other person's consent) and ankle bracelets for known violent offenders.

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