Dressing up and heading for a night on the town should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or afraid.
It doesn’t matter what clothes you wear, or where you walk, if you are drunk or if you’re alone — There is never an excuse for sexual violence.
We took to the streets of Melbourne to spread a message of femininity and positivity. Fighting against sexual violence may seem like a monumental process but everyone can do something to raise awareness and fight against victim shaming.
In these pictures we wanted to show people wearing clothes that made them feel great, doing things they love. They are about claiming urban spaces and making them our own. We refuse to accept the notion that the onus is on us to cover up and stay indoors; the night should belong to everyone!
Sexual violence in Australia is a large and complex issue, here we have touched on just one facet that we felt we could address — That it’s everyone’s right to feel safe at night. This shoot was inspired by the Take Back the Night foundation, an awesome group that raises awareness around issues involving violence against women, as well as providing support to people who have suffered domestic or sexual violence. You can check them out on Facebook here.
Photography by Jessica Howes
Videography by Isaac Lawry
Tons of Sense 