Residents are invited to gather with advocates, supporters, and others in downtown Nogojiwanong-Peterborough in September to take a stand against sexual violence.
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) and partnering community organizations are hosting their 47th annual “Take Back the Night” advocacy and awareness event and march on Thursday, September 18.
This year’s theme is “Rage and Resistance,” which, according to KSAC, reflects the anger many people feel when they consider how prevalent sexual violence still is, especially for people who are marginalized. The goals of the event are to provide an outlet for people’s emotions, the opportunity to support one another, and to rise in resistance.
“The best outcome for us is to create a space where survivors of sexual violence feel seen, heard, and believed,” Jocelyn Enright, KSAC prevention education and community engagement coordinator, told kawarthaNOW.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see so many supporters at Peterborough Square and who join the walk downtown,” said Enright, who expects around 100 people will participate in the event.
“The knowledge that every single person there believes and supports survivors — that’s how we help show people that they are not alone and show the public that we will not stop fighting until the streets are safe for women and gender-diverse folks.”
Take Back the Night runs from 5 to 9 p.m. outside in the Peterborough Square courtyard at the corner of Water and Charlotte streets. The event is free and open to everyone, and light refreshments will be available for participants.
“We welcome folks of all genders to come to participate, learn, and advocate for social change,” organizers stated in a media release.
From 5 to 6:30 p.m., representatives from a variety of community agencies will have tables to share information about their resources and how people can connect for support.
Along with KSAC, participating agencies include Centre for Gender and Social Justice, Elizabeth Fry Society (EFry) Peterborough, John Howard Society, Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC), Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle, Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, PARN, Peterborough Community Legal Centre, Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network, Peterborough Regional Health Centre Women’s Health Centre, Soroptimist Peterborough, Victim Services Peterborough Northumberland, and YWCA Peterborough Haliburton.
Then, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., there will be poets, speakers, and performers followed by the candle-lit solidarity march. Organizers will provide art supplies earlier in the evening for people who want to make posters for the march.
The march will begin and end at the Peterborough Square courtyard, heading north on George Street to Murray Street, then along Murray Street to Water Street, and south on Water with a brief stop at Victoria Park before heading back to the courtyard.
KSAC exists to offer healing, safety, and support to those affected by sexual violence and harm and aims to end sexual violence through prevention education. The agency works with people of all genders aged 16 and older who have experienced any form of sexual violence or harm, whether recent or historic, in the counties of Peterborough, Haliburton and Northumberland, and in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
For more information about KSAC’s supports and services, visit the website at kawarthasexualassaultcentre.com, email info@kawarthasac.ca, or call 705-748-5901.
The oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence, Take Back the Night began in the 1970s with a tribunal council meeting in Belgium attended by over 2,000 women representing more than 40 countries.
Early activists protested the lack of safety for women, including when walking down the street alone at night. One of the first Take Back the Night events was held in 1972, when a group of women at the University of Southern Florida donned witches’ brooms and black capes and marched through campus to demand resources and safety for women.
In 2025, there will be over 20 Take Back the Night events in communities across Ontario.
