ORGANISERS expect a large crowd at Newcastle Civic Park tonight for the third Silence Against Silence event supporting survivors of child sexual abuse.
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Silence Against Silence spokeswoman Helen Keevers said the hour-long event, from 8pm, was an opportunity for the community to express concern about how child sex abuse matters were handled in the past.
“For too long powerful institutions have responded to sexual abuse of children with silence,” Ms Keevers said.
Participants will light a candle and stand together for one hour in silence. The only sound is a chant written for the occasion, and sung at 15-minute intervals.
The recent announcement of a royal commission into the handling of child sexual abuse by institutions meant a larger gathering than usual was expected, Ms Keevers said.
The ceremony is open to the public.
