From May 5–11, HELP Auckland and Dear Em took part in Rape Awareness Week, hosting a series of events and activities aimed at promoting important conversations across our communities.
The week opened with a powerful performance of Prima Facie—an acclaimed one-woman play that follows the journey of Tessa Ensler, a criminal defence barrister whose personal experience forces her to confront the very system she upholds. We were honoured to host a post-show panel featuring Cassandra Woodhouse, the actress touring Prima Facie across Aotearoa; Thiyona Singh, a law student and current member of the Dear Em Leadership Programme; Miffy Barling from HELP’s court support team; and Dr Emily Henderson, legal academic and former MP.
On Tuesday, the Dear Em team headed to the University of Auckland to quiz students on their knowledge of consent and the support services available on and around campus. That evening, Dear Em hosted a free trauma-informed yoga session—promoting yoga as a therapeutic tool for survivors of sexual violence, while creating a space for healing, relaxation, and community connection.
We were fortunate to collaborate with fellow Auckland-based organisations Rape Prevention Education (RPE) and Thursdays in Black. Dear Em and RPE co-hosted a livestream on Instagram, sharing experiences and insights around delivering and receiving consent and sexuality education. Later in the week, Thursdays in Black brought together panellists from HELP Auckland, Dear Em, and RPE to speak with university students about the systemic roots of rape culture, and the collective actions we can take to challenge it.
Throughout the week, Dear Em also shared a range of informative and inspiring content across social media. Posts included personal stories, deep dives on current issues like changes to Relationship and Sexuality Education, reflections on rape culture, and practical guidance for supporting survivors—such as understanding survivors’ rights, exploring healing options, and how to safely be an active bystander.
At the close of the week, young people from the Dear Em team shared what the experience meant to them:
“Kotahitanga! Rape Awareness Week provided a real sense of one-ness and unity—to support, and feel supported.”
“A week where I can bring up SV in everyday conversations. It’s nice to not feel as weird about raising topics I’m passionate about—even if they’re considered taboo.”
“Rape Awareness means empowering victims to be survivors.”
Rape Awareness Week is more than a series of events—it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility to support survivors, challenge rape culture, and work together towards a future free from sexual violence.