Take Back the Night: Fight Against Sexual Violence and Violence

BY: ZAARA MAZZUCA

The third Friday of September was declared the evening for Take Back the Night (TBTN) marches nationwide by the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centers. Last year’s event was strictly online due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it will be in person this year, as Ontario has entered phase three. Of course, the rallies and protests will be small groups, as there are still COVID-19 guidelines that the government of Ontario has put in place for us to follow. 

TBTN is an international and non-profit foundation fighting to end sexual violence and violence that began with a “women-only protest” in 1877 in England against the violence and fear women experience at night. The first march, however, was held in San Francisco in 1978. 

It has been a challenging year and a half with the pandemic, which is why this year’s theme for TBTN is Apart, but Not Alone. Even through the pandemic, TBTN was still dedicated to ending sexual violence and violence. TBTN doesn’t end in September, though. On October 22, 2021, TBTN will have an international virtual meeting. 

In the Jane and Finch area, there are many different shelters and resources for survivors of sexual violence and violence. Such as the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women on 2350 Finch Ave. West and Midaynta Community Services on 1541 Jane St. With Covid-19, some of these places may have changed their guidelines, especially with us entering phase three. 

The most important part is coming together as a community to help support anyone who is struggling with or is a survivor of sexual assault or assault.  

On the TBTN: York Region website, they wrote: “Sexual violence is horrifically common in our communities, and we must take a stand. In Canada, at least 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. We also know that members of the 2SLBGTQIA+ community are three times as likely to experience sexual violence. As well, disabled people and members of racialized and indigenous communities are at least twice as likely to experience sexual violence.”