Sexual assault survivors, supporters take part in Reclaim the Night march

There was yelling, chanting and music in Kingaroy’s CBD as survivors of sexual assault and their supporters took to the streets for an important event.

Survivors of sexual assault and their supporters marched through Kingaroy streets Thursday night for the annual Reclaim the Night.

Organiser Erin Jeffs from Laurel Place services against sexual violence said the South Burnett Sexual Assault Action Group organises the event every year to raise awareness and promote support.

“Reclaim the night is a long standing grassroots protest movement where we make some noise about sexual violence against woman and making the streets a safer place for woman,” Ms Jeffs said.

She said it’s a nice way to “stand in solidarity with the survivors of our local community”.

Residents took to the streets on Thursday for the 2023 Reclaim the Night event.

“We’re sending a really clear message that our community won’t tolerate sexual violence,” she said.

The event, which took place outside of Kingaroy Town Hall, had free entertainment and a sausage sizzle before hosting a panel which included police, adult and children sexual assault services, and the local forensic health nurse.

During the educational panel, Sharon Collins from Centacare described some reactions which victims of sexual violence can have.

“Some common trauma impacts are intrusive thoughts that include having flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping … impact on their physical health and impact on their mental health, PTSD, inability to work,” Ms Collins said.

People marched throughout Kingaroy CBD streets in protest against sexual assault.

One of the most powerful and emotional moments of the night came when recordings from survivors were played over loudspeakers which included male and female survivors.

After the panel, everyone lined up to begin the march including students from Saint Mary’s Catholic College.

“The Saint Mary’s drum line joins us every year to make a lot of noise and draw a lot of attention, we chant and do the whole loop of the inner CBD,” Ms Jeffs said.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for advice and support. In an emergency, call triple-0.