You can join people around the world in rallying to raise awareness about sexual violence against women at the annual Take Back the Night York Region on Thursday at Riverwalk Commons in Newmarket.
“We’re standing together to tell survivors ‘we believe you’ and to build more awareness about sexual violence against women,” said Janelle Anderson, public education coordinator with the event organizer, the Women’s Support Network of York Region. “It is an empowering opportunity for us to come together — the energy is always powerful.”
Each year, attendance at the event — now in its 20th year in the region — has increased, with about 200 people taking part last year, she added.
The event begins at 6 p.m. with a rally, which includes a land acknowledgement ceremony and keynote speakers, then a 1-kilometre march through local streets at 6:30 (accessible options available). The celebration at 7 p.m. includes entertainment, followed by the candlelight vigil at 8 p.m. All genders are welcome, Anderson said.
A featured guest this year is Aqua Nibii Waawaaskone, a singer, songwriter, storyteller, artist, and activist. She is a strong Anishinaabe Kwe~Indigenous Woman, also known as Nibii Waawaaskone~Water Flower. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu1JAgsYq9M
The march began in the 1970s as a way to protest violence women experienced while walking in public at night, and became a way to raise community awareness and support to help prevent further violence. Held in 30 countries around the world, the mission of Take Back the Night has since grown to encompass all forms of violence against all persons, though sexual violence against women is still a primary focus.
While last year’s viral social media #MeToo movement undoubtedly increased awareness of the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and harassment, especially in the workplace, Anderson said there has been a backlash following the slew of sexual misconduct allegations.
“We have also seen a new resistance, where they hold the ideology that you cannot believe survivors until (their cases) are proven in a court of law.”
Certified counselllors — “safe people” — are always available at the event, Anderson said, as it can bring emotions to the surface for survivors of sexual violence.
Ultimately, the event provides further opportunities to get involved and take action, whether it’s through advocacy, volunteering or community development, she added.
For more details, visit here, email [email protected] or call 905-895-3646.
Women’s Support Network is York Region’s only sexual violence crisis centre, providing free, non-judgmental, confidential services for anyone who has experienced sexual violence. http://womenssupportnetwork.ca
