When Sarah Williams stood on a bench in front of a sign that read "I will not be silenced until justice is served", she was overwhelmed by the number of people in front of her.
Hundreds gathered outside Newcastle Museum on Tuesday to listen to what she had to say ahead of a march to Nobbys Beach.
They were there to say no to domestic violence.
Police data shows that officers deal with 5,000 domestic violence matters on average every week in Australia — one every two minutes.
It was figures like those that inspired Ms Williams to push for change.
But a recent alleged murder was the catalyst for this week's march.
Mackenzie Anderson, aged 21, was allegedly stabbed to death by her ex-partner Tyrone Thompson in her Mayfield apartment last week.
Thompson, 22, appeared in court earlier this week charged with murder, breaching an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) and breaking into a unit.
He is yet to enter a plea.
Lived experience
Last year Ms Williams founded the Australian arm of What Were You Wearing?
It was launched with an art exhibition based on a similar project by the US organisation of the same name.
The advocacy group aims to provide education, awareness and support for survivors, victims, and the wider community.
"I've experienced domestic violence and sexual assault myself and I'm not OK with how society deals with it," Ms Williams said.
As she and vice-president Demi Parkinson became increasingly frustrated, they decided to take action.
The result was the march, which was organised in just a few days.
What started with a phone call between friends and colleagues rapidly circulated on social media.
Women, children and men held signs that read "Girls Just Want To Feel Safe" and "Angry Women Will Change The World".
They chanted:
Call to end the 'bandaid fix'
The protesters want policy makers and those in other positions of power to hear them loud and clear.
"There's a lot to be changed," Ms Williams said.
"We really want the government to give funding to DV shelters and DV organisations.
"There's not enough funding to have enough shelters for these victims.
"So if they are needing a place for safety they've got nowhere else to go, because the shelters are all full."
She believes there needs to be change in the justice system as well.
"If police are called about a crime, it needs to be taken seriously," Ms Williams said.
Ms Williams is back at university today finishing her law degree.
She also runs a cleaning business on the side so she can continue helping people.
"I think it goes to show that you can be someone who isn't in power and make change," she said.
