Rape culture focus of forum

GUEST SPEAKER: Louise Nicholas, whose original allegations against policemen were covered up, will address a meeting in Hamilton next week about rape culture.

Hot on the heals of the Roast Busters debacle, a public meeting is being held to inform and talk about rape culture in Hamilton, and beyond.

Campaign organiser Anjum Rahman says there is a need for change with a focus in Hamilton on three main areas - the definition of consent, education particularly for young men and more funding for victims.

The public meeting is at the Hamilton City Council reception lounge at 7pm on Tuesday and will feature speakers Louise Nicholas, Catherine O'Kelly and Dr Neville Robertson.

Louise Nicholas brought charges in high-profile sexual assault cases involving former Rotorua policemen Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum.

The meeting comes shortly after a silent march as part of a national day of "action against rape culture".

Ms Rahman helped organise the Hamilton march, which was one of many similar events held around the country.

"Once we'd done the march we thought we didn't want to stop, there needs to be change and people recognise that," Ms Rahman said.

"The meeting is about allowing people to express how they feel and talk about how to have more effective change."

Ms Nicholas will be speaking about the work she is now doing with the police and how they respond to sexual violence and abuse.

Dr Robertson has been asked to talk about what rape culture is and how it works, and Ms O'Kelly, from a rape and sexual abuse healing centre, will explain some of the reasons victims do not feel they can come forward.

Ms Rahman said the issues of sexual abuse and violence in New Zealand had been highlighted by the Roast Busters case.

"The incident highlighted an ugly side of our culture where sexual violence is trivialised, excuses are made for rapists and focus is placed on the victim," she said.

"In 2009, the Taskforce on Sexual Violence released a comprehensive report with recommendations for changes to the justice system. Little action has been taken to implement these recommendations.

"Current inadequate funding for sexual violence support services must also be increased."

Tuesday's meeting will have an open forum at the end for people to share their thoughts and will finish with discussion on next steps.

"One of the things we're already thinking about is having some activity around orientation week next year," Ms Rahman said.