The very first Take Back the Night March in North America took place in New York in 1976. In 1992, the event was organized in Prince George for the first time.
It focuses on raising awareness about violence, particularly sexual violence against women.
To some, the event may seem like a throwback to a more dangerous time but, sadly, the statistics on sexual assault in Canada haven’t changed in 20 years.
“One in two women will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes,” says Laura Nordin, executive director of Surpassing Our Survival – SOS Society. “The reporting rates for sexual crimes are still about 2%; the conviction rates are even lower. No matter how much awareness we do, the situation hasn’t changed. That’s heartbreaking.”
Despite the depressing trend, Nordin says the march continues to serve an important function.
“The focus of the walk has always been to remind people that some people don’t survive violence – they don’t survive physical violence, they don’t survive sexual violence. It’s an awareness walk about ending violence against women, primarily.”
Of course, children and men are affected by violence in their communities as well, but Nordeen says the walk is an opportunity for local women to stand in solidarity. Men who wish to participate are respectfully asked to stay on the City Hall grounds. Help with the pre and post march activities is always appreciated.
Nordin says all members of the community are invited to take part in some way.
“On Friday, September 16, Prince George is having its 24th annual Take Back the Night March and Rally at City Hall. The event begins just after 6 o’clock, speakers to start at 6:30 followed by the march and a coffeehouse with refreshments.”
Speakers include Dawn Hemingway, co founder of the SOS Society and an associate professor at UNBC. The post march coffee house is being hosted by the John Howard Society. Other organizations participating in the event include Phoenix Transition, UNBC and CNC.
You can find more information about the event on Facebook.
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