Tonight’s The Night To “Take Back The Night”

The 23^rd Halton Annual “Take Back The Night” was a night of recognition and awareness of the issue of sexual violence against women, children and Trans people. SAVIS, along with ADAPT, The Aids Network, Halton Community Legal Services, Halton District School Board, Halton Regional Police, Halton Women’s Place, Joseph Brant Hospital, Nina’s Place, Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centers, Posse Project, Sheridan College, WomenatthecentrE and the Women’s Centre, collaborated to create an evening of action and movement.

Take Back The Night is an event where community members rise up together against violence against women. 1 in 3 women will be sexually assaulted at least once in their lifetime. The rates of violence against women are extremely high and Take Back The Night is a way to speak out against this issue!

The energetic crowd of almost 200 individuals united at the Mainway Arena in Burlington in hopes of raising awareness and changing this troubling issue. Inspiring performances from Geri Dafoe, Lavish, Shannon Kitchings and the Naked Beat Drum Circle got the crowd excited for the march with singing, and spoken word performances, drumming and dancing. Speakers Deborah and Jules also helped create an inspiring environment as they spoke of how violence towards women has affected both of them.

The Male Ally Network (M.A.N) held a solidarity event for the men supporting women ‘Take Back The Night’. This was an educational and supportive meeting where men of all diverse backgrounds worked together discuss how to end violence against women.

While the men met at the arena, women, children and Trans individuals marched through the streets. Many yelled and raised their voices while carrying candles, blowing whistles and chanting powerfully. Residents of Burlington clapped and cheered the marchers from outside their houses and their cars, proving that the march had a positive impact on the public.

‘Take Back The Night’ 2013 was a great success! Thanks to the coordinators, guests, performers, volunteers and supporters. We raised our voices, blew our whistles, and with every step on the street, we took back our night!