BY BLAKE QUINN & PETER HYSLOP
Merewether baths will become a centre for activism at 4:30pm this Saturday as not for profit What Where You Wearing hosts a protest calling for action against domestic and sexual violence.
First of its kind, the protest embraces a unique approach of standing on the spot as a form of resistance to raise awareness on domestic and sexual abuse, which continues to affect the lives of many in the Hunter and Newcastle area.
Spokesperson Marcie Cheers says the protest can be both a positive experience for survivors, and draw attention to safety in Newcastle's nightlife.
"In Australia at the moment and from year to date there have been multiple deaths because of domestic violence and sexual assault," she said.
"Unfortunately this is not our first protest on this topic, and this is definitely not going to be our last.
"The reason why we're doing it at the baths is so at the end we can jump into the water and it can be kind of like a metaphor for washing away all the negativity for survivors," she said.
Attendees will hear from a number of distinguished speakers presenting their personal experiences, and they're set to host discussions relating to Indigenous rights, social injustice, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people living with disabilities.
The organization also wants signatures on a petition to have mandatory drink spiking training for all bar and security staff.
"Newcastle is one of the most reported areas in Australia for drink spiking," Cheers said.
"At the end of the day we just want safety for everyone on a night out and we shouldn't have to worry about putting our drinks down or getting harassed by other people," she said.
 |
| Image: Supplied |
