Uni students campaign to end rape and abuse

Auckland University students have joined an organisation to help prevent sexually abusive behaviour on their campus.

Thursdays in Black, Aotearoa (TIB) is a worldwide campaign that encourages students to wear black on Thursdays and was launched in New Zealand this year.

The purpose of TIB is to emphasise the seriousness of rape and sexual abuse in a tertiary environment.

Harriet Winn, one of many TIB leaders at Auckland University, said the campaign spreads awareness about these issues.

“The reason why I joined TIB is because I am really passionate about ending sexual violence and I think that students need to be more aware about how harmful this is in our society,” said Ms Winn.

Ella Cartwright, national co-coordinator of the organisation, said TIB focuses on the abuse of not just women but the LGBTI community and ethnic groups such as Māori and Pasifika, among others.

“There are certain groups who are experiencing sexual violence more and what we are trying to do is move forward from this as a society and help tertiary students be aware about how this is a huge problem,” said Ms Cartwright.

Caitlin Lynch, a TIB ambassador from Auckland University, said the campaign also focuses on finding solutions and positive outcomes.

“It’s about giving people tools to create a more positive community and positive relationships. It’s not about tackling the problem . . . it’s creating the solution,” said Ms Lynch.

The campaign was launched in the South Island at universities such as Otago University, Lincoln University and Canterbury University.

Ms Cartwright mentioned that the pressure of having sex is also a focus with students often pressured to have sex in places that they are supposed to feel comfortable in.

“At the moment having sex and sexual abuse is considered the norm. It is something that is not spoken about often because society try to avoid it.

“The issue shouldn’t be silenced, there should be access to support to try to prevent this problem,” said Ms Cartwright.

Executive director Debbi Tohill from Rape Prevention Education said TIB is making a difference.

“I think it is really important to raise the issue of sexual violence and in general . . . [And] to look at rape culture as it exists in New Zealand. It’s important to look at avenues to display myths in rape culture and this is a way to do it.”