LOUD Fence - building a global movement for community recovery

If you’ve been through the streets of Ballarat in Victoria, you’ve probably noticed hundreds of colourful ribbons tied on fences outside prominent landmarks. These signal the spontaneous community responses of citizens, expressing solidarity and support for once-silent and hidden victims and survivors of sexual abuse. Known as the Loud Fence movement, the act of tying ribbons provides a simple yet profound outlet for expressing inexpressible grief.

It is an honour and privilege to have worked with the newly formed Board of LOUD Fence Inc, a group of passionate volunteers aiming to translate the momentum and goodwill built over years of grassroots activism and action into a continued sustainable movement. AshTree Projects led a strategic planning process, generating dozens of new ideas, debating directions, dilemmas and options.

“Loud Fence enables us to express our rage”, says board chair Karen , “but in productive ways. It’s about moving beyond anger and bitterness.”

The movement’s rallying call, “No More Silence” points toward the new cultures of open-ness and truth-telling that need to characterise our approaches to history and power. Tying ribbons, says Board member Mark is “an invitation to be part of this movement against silence, not an attack.”

The beauty of the Loud Fence concept is that it is so easily transported and replicated anywhere. The Board decided that while the movement’s roots are in Ballarat and it’s particular histories, it will be pushing to build and sustain a global movement of Loud Fences, providing support, tools, connection and encouragement for others to keep speaking up.

First things first though! In the meantime, keep an eye out for a website, some innovative fundraising, and continued loud and proud support for victims and survivors.

If you want to support Loud Fence Inc then please get a copy of Finding Light, a collection of beautiful and moving photography that represents the experience of “finding light in the darkness” around Ballarat. All proceeds to Loud Fence Inc, follow this link for more information.