0ver 1700 people in Grahamstown participated in the annual Silent Protest last Friday. Joining Rhodes University staff and students, residents in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape were taped in an act of solidarity with rape survivors throughout South Africa. The number of participants has increased since the protest was established eight years ago, and it has grown in response to the ever-evolving rape culture. This year's Silent Protest at Rhodes, previously organised by former Student Officer Larissa Klazinga, was run by Kim Barker, who has been involved in the Silent Protest and My Body, My Choice campaigns in previous years.