The about 100 people who marched down George St to mark the anniversary were aiming to raise awareness about consent and the prevalence of sexual assault in the Dunedin community.
Rape Crisis Dunedin funding co-ordinator Michelle Reddy highlighted the importance of the group, which received about 400 calls per year, including referrals from organisations such as the police and calls from victims of sexual assault.
She was keen for people to find out how to support those who had been sexually assaulted and "bust some of those rape myths", which included placing blame on women who went out at night.
There had been some progress in the last 35 years, including people being more open about discussing the issue, but there was still a long way to go.
After the march, speeches were held in the Octagon.
Earlier, the group used chants to raise awareness, including: "Hey hey Mr, Mr, get your hands off my sister".
