Rally to demand an end to gendered violence

THE Geelong community will again gather at Market Square Mall this month to demand action on gendered violence.

The demonstration will form part of a nationwide rally, organised by First Nations-led not-for-profit organisation What Were You Wearing? (WWYW), with about 26 cities participating.

It will be the second rally to take place in three months and aims to raise awareness, advocate for change and urge Australia’s politicians to address the pressing issue of violence that disproportionately impacts women, queer, disabled and Indigenous people.

The Geelong demonstration, led locally by the No More Geelong volunteer team, will take place on Sunday, July 28 from 11am.

It comes as the number of women lost this year to violence rises above 48.

Rally co-organiser Rachel Bishop said the rally would serve as a strong reminder to decision-makers of the community’s position against gendered violence and reinforce its call for change.

“I think the main message is that we haven’t given up the fight,” Ms Bishop said.

“The fight will continue because unfortunately, it’s a need, it’s a necessity.

“We would love to not have to do this, but unfortunately, we do still need to do this and make sure that more voices are heard.”

When WWYW initiated the first rally in April, it did so with a list of five demands, of which only one has been achieved: a recognition from the federal government that gendered violence is a national emergency.

This time, the group returns with two national demands in the hope that narrowing its focus will yield more substantial change. They are mandatory trauma-informed training for first responders across Australia; and funding for grassroots organisations in the domestic, family and sexual violence sector, including men’s behaviour change programs and women’s refuges.

“We still have the ability to make change,” Ms Bishop said.

“We still have the ability to look after each other and call out behaviour when we see it, to seek help when we need it and to support one another.”

Rally co-organiser Rachel Sumich-Antonik encouraged everyone to use their voice and join the community demonstration.

“If possible, bring a buddy and if possible, make sure you’ve got something safe and nurturing and nourishing to do afterwards,” she said.

“It’s a very emotional experience. Last time it was a sea of 5000 people, of love, and it was just the most incredible thing to be around, but people need to be able to talk to someone afterwards.”

She said her experience at the first rally had allowed her to grieve, not just for herself but for all who had been impacted by violence.

“I’m 56; it’s been 35 years since I was violated,” Ms Sumich-Antonik said.

“I was an invisible survivor until the April rally. I finally felt seen, heard, affirmed and held.”