IN every case of sexual assault, no matter the circumstances, the victim is not to blame.
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That is the message the Eastlakes and Westlakes domestic violence committees are spreading to women and girls in Lake Macquarie.
This Friday, October 31, the two committees host Reclaim the Night at Warners Bay foreshore.
The annual campaign aims to raise awareness of violence against women.
It is usually held at Toronto, but this year the committees have joined forces to hold the event in Warners Bay.
Eastlakes Domestic Violence Committee member Roz Smee said it was important to reach as many people as possible across the region.
She said women who had been sexually assaulted were often subject to victim blaming.
"It's not their fault and it's not their responsibility, yet they're dancing around on tip toes, too afraid to speak out," Mrs Smee said.
"The onus is too often put on the victim, not the perpetrator.
"People will say things like 'she was asking for it' ."
Mrs Smee said this was never the case, regardless of a woman's appearance or sobriety.
She added a woman should be able to safely walk the streets at night without being attacked.
However, the statistics paint a bleak picture.
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics figures reveal last year in Lake Macquarie alone there were 190 sexual assaults.
It is believed only 20 per cent of cases are reported.
Statistically, a woman is least safe in her home, where 70 per cent of violence occurs.
However, this extends to the workplace and the streets.
To address the problem, Mrs Smee believes men must be part of the solution.
Men have been excluded from some Reclaim the Night marches, but are welcome at the Lake Macquarie event.
"We feel we can't completely solve this issue without men," Mrs Smee said.
"We need everybody on board to make a change."
■ Lake Macquarie Reclaim the Night is Friday, October 31, at Warners Bay foreshore rotunda. March starts at 6pm, entry is free. Screening of Girl Rising at 7.30pm at the Performing Arts Centre. Tickets cost $10. For inquiries and bookings email jsalvador@lakemac.nsw.gov.au.