The Central Australia Health Service supports the Central Australian Family Violence and Sexual Assault Network (CAFVSAN) free event this week to advocate for women taking a stand against sexual violence.

“A number of Alice Springs organisations have been involved in the planning of the Reclaim the Night event and it is an opportunity for people to come together to publicly stand up against rape, sexual harassment and violence,” said Christa Bartjen-Westermann of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre and CAFVSAN planning committee.

“This is a night for women and children from all backgrounds to come together and share the freedom and safety of each other’s company. Come and join us and make this a memorable night,” said Shirleen Campbell from the Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group and CAFVSAN planning committee.

Reclaim the Night is a global grassroots movement bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to take a stand against sexual violence against women and children. It is always held on the last Friday in October each year.

The movement started in 1977 in Leeds in the United Kingdom but is now worldwide.

“The Central Australian Family Violence and Sexual Assault Network is calling on the community to come together and acknowledge the resilience of women and children in our community with a minute's silence across the Territory in their honour,” said Tully McIntyre from the CAFVSAN Secretariat.

“Everyone is welcome to the event, acknowledging this is an event organised by a planning committee of CAFVSAN, and we would like everyone to feel welcome and safe,” she said.

Reclaim the Night is on 26 October 2018 from 6pm on the Alice Springs Town Council lawns. There will be guest speakers, music, food and short films.

Find the event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/286442218643447/

Media contact: Gail Turner – 0476 839 383