MASSIVE hīkoi encourages people to speak out about sexual violence

A 17 day, 420 kilometre hīkoi from Auckland to Cape Reinga has sought to raise awareness and encourage people to speak out about sexual violence.

The MAsSiVe (Men Against Sexual Violence) walk was organised and led by Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis and kaupapa Māori sexual violence prevention agency Korowai Tumanako, with supporters.

The team planned to walk 25km each day, spreading the message that victims, perpetrators and bystanders should feel safe to speak out. The initiative generated support across Parliament with members including Sue Moroney, Jacinda Ardern, Tracey Martin, Marama Fox, Peter Dunne and David Seymour taking part.

Kelvin Davis said:

"Women have, in the main, had to carry the burden of sexual violence on their own for too long. MASSIVE is a rallying cry for any man who opposes sexual violence, against anybody, in any shape or form, be it verbal, physical or emotional. The greatest enabler of sexual violence is silence. Generations are crippled by the ‘big secret’ they carry for most of their lives. It has got to stop."

Director of Korowai Tumanako, Russell Smith said:

‍"We know that you can prevent this from occurring – it's like a silent epidemic … hence the hashtag #speakout. We're done being silent, and so it's about getting both sides to raise their voice up."

Human Rights Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue welcomed the hīkoi saying:

"Sexual violence isn’t just a woman’s problem, sexual violence is everyone’s problem and it can only be solved if Kiwi men join Kiwi women to highlight and fight sexual violence."

The hīkoi journey was on Facebook and Twitter using the hastag #SpeakOut.