The second annual Take Back the Night is getting ready to raise awareness about sexual violence and let survivors know they aren’t alone.
The Dragonfly Counselling and Support Centre is once again organizing the event. This year, the walk will take place on Thursday, May 2 at 6 p.m.
”It’s a cause that speaks to creating communities free of violence, where everybody has the ability and access to walk without fear of violence in their lives,” explained Cheryl Bujold, executive director for the Dragonfly Centre.
Starting at their downtown location on 50 Ave., participants will make their way down main street toward Hwy. 41, before heading back for refreshments.
The local walk is part of a worldwide initiative to stand up against women not feeling safe to walk alone at night.
”We thought it would be a great way for the community to recognize, draw attention to, and create awareness around such an important issue. We know that sexual violence in our communities is a very prevalent issue, that one in three girls and one in six boys will be impacted by sexual violence in their lifetime,” Bujold explained.
Angel Gamache, community engagement coordinator for the Dragonfly Centre, described it as a family-friendly event.
”We’re going to make some posters with slogans, hashtags, or quotes about sexual violence. Some of them could be ‘break the silence, end the violence,’ or ‘no means no,’ or ‘consent is required.’ We’re going to have these key messages on our little signs, and I have a huge poster that says ‘Take Back the Night’ that we’ll be carrying,” she said.
While the walk is meant to raise awareness, it also sends an important message to survivors.
”When you have disclosure to a sexual assault or violence happening to someone, we know that, from that point forward, how people respond to that first disclosure is how they’re healing journey is going to go. We really want people to know that we’re here for them, and we can support them through their journey,” expressed Gamache.
According to Bujold, sexual violence is the lowest reported crime in Canada, but the most common human rights violation.
”Therefore, it’s important for folks to know that they’re not alone. There’s a lot of secrecy, and it’s an issue that’s been brushed under the rug in all of our communities, some more than others, but it’s now time to take a stand and say, ‘this isn’t okay anymore,’” she explained.
Discussions surrounding sexual violence have started to gain traction as a result of the #MeToo campaign, and groups like the Dragonfly Centre continue to raie awareness in communities across the country.
Bujold said, “We do see that people are ready to start coming forward in a very strong way. We need to be able to support folks in order to create a safe environment to say ‘hey, I believe what you’re saying. I believe what happened to you, you’re not alone, thank you for sharing this with me, and let’s get you the support that you need.’”
