Photo: students from Waikato Institute of Technology and the University of Waikato
Thursdays in Black believes that we have a problem with sexual assault in our communities,
but that a different reality is possible. We believe that sexual assault is a social problem
fostered by negative attitudes about sexuality, victim-blaming, and a lack of support. We
believe it can be heavily reduced with comprehensive education about healthy relationships and
what constitutes sexual violence, enhancing a culture that believes and supports victims, and
a community that works together for a common goal. Thursdays in Black want to actively pursue
these goals for the health and well-being of the student community, and wider society on the
whole.
We believe that the only way to fix problems like sexual violence is to a) see
them, b) acknowledge them, c) understand them, and then d) address them.
We believe
that students and staff have the right to feel safe, supported and encouraged when speaking up
about sexual violence. We believe this right needs to be exercised without fear of censorship
or repercussions from their institution. We believe when we foster a campus community and peer
climate where sexual violence is not tolerated, and harmful attitudes and behaviours are
actively prevented, we move towards a world that is free from rape and violence.
We
believe that although there is a gendered pattern of violence, anyone can be a victim. We
acknowledge the nature and prevalence of sexual violence changes for different groups and
believe that change isn’t possible without rolling out a campaign that caters to diverse needs
and allows those voices autonomy. We believe the success of our work is contingent on
delivering this part of the work with absolute responsibility and accountability.