Friday 23rd June 2006

March To Demand Justice For Rape Survivors

Christchurch women and men will march demanding justice for rape survivors on Saturday 24th June from 1pm in Cathedral Square. The march, organised by local collective Justice For Rape Survivors, will visit the Christchurch central police station, the Christchurch district court and the Avon river in order to oppose rape culture in our society.

"The trial of police officers Clint Rickards, Bob Schollum and Brad Shipton for rape has galvanised support for a change in the way rape is viewed in New Zealand", said collective spokesperson Jo Payne. "Women need a justice system that they can trust when they need to go to it. Currently, we have a justice system that is biased towards people in positions of power, and name suppression often means that the defendents do not experience the same questioning as the rape survivor."

"We all need to work together to ensure that women do not feel threatened simply for walking down a street at night, and that our city is a safe and empowering space for all", said Jo Payne.

People planning on attending the march are encouraged to bring a women's shoe, which will be left at the police station as a reminder of all that has been taken from survivors of rape, sexual abuse and victims of murder.

Justice For Rape Survivors has been in contact with Louise Nicholas, who has offered her support for the march.

ENDS

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