Reclaim the Night is an International march and rally against sexual violence for women and children held on the last Friday evening of October every year. It is known in some countries as Take Back The Night.

It began in Britain in 1977 in response to a public announcement that women should stay home at night if they wanted to be safe. Women were angered by this and in response organised the first march calling for safety from sexual violence in the home and on the streets.

In Australia in 1979 women began marching against sexual assault and violence.

Why We March
We march because women are still experiencing violence alarmingly frequently and in many forms.

We march to raise awareness about the sexual violence, perpetrated against women and children, and demand our basic human right to freedom from such violence.

We march to demand that the community acknowledges the extent of sexual violence and take appropriate action celebrate the strength of survivors of rape and sexual assault.

Women ONLY
The point of these marches is for WOMEN to reclaim their right to the streets at night. For this reason it is innappropriate for men to join to us. If you are male and wish to be supportive, please cheer us on from the footpaths and clap wildly as we pass.

What to take
If you've never been to a reclaim the night march, you may not know what to expect... You will come away from the night with a wonderful and empowering feeling of sisterhood and it's power.

A couple of things that may make your night better include:

• comfortable shoes! - you might be walking a l-o-n-g way, stomping boots most recommended.
• a whistle/drum/cymbals - anything noisy that's gonna shake your town UP, and saves your voice.
• fabulous banners - why are you there? What makes you angry? What makes you passionate?
• a drink - for hoarse throats with all the yelling you'll be doing.
• friends/sisters/mothers/lovers and others - anyone female to share it with.
• money - for donations to women's shelters or to meet up for a coffee later.
• a safe way home - although in numbers we're safe, in reality women STILL need to be careful when out at night alone.