A website telling the stories of rape and sexual assault survivors in their own words launches today with a social media campaign encouraging people to share their experiences.
It comes as protests are planned around the country tomorrow against rape culture and the police response to the Roast Busters group, who boasted online about sexual exploits with young girls.
The "I Am Someone" website was set up by Meg Bates to give voice to people who have experienced sexual violence and harassment, and raise awareness of rape culture.
The site will be promoted through social media today, with people invited to tell their stories in tweets, Facebook posts and blogs with the tag #IAmSomeoneNZ.
Ms Bates, a West Auckland mother-of-two, said she also wanted to combat the victim-blaming in the commentary on the Roast Busters. Even minor incidents helped build a culture that allowed the Roast Busters to happen, she said.
