Stratford takes back the night

The Take Back the Night community march on Sept. 18 displayed solidarity with survivors of sexual assault, gender-based violence and intimate partner violence and a call for change to ensure safety for all.

By: Emily Stewart

The Take Back the Night rally and march in Stratford had people of all ages and genders marching around the downtown core advocating against gender-based violence, sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

The Stop Violence Against Women Coordinating Committee of Perth County hosted Take Back the Night on Sept. 18. Take Back the Night is a global movement addressing the right to feel safe walking outside at night without fear of violence.

“For many of us, our streets feel welcoming and safe, but for survivors of sexual assault, stalking, violence and harassment these same streets can look and feel very different. They can be scary and threatening with too few supports and places of safety too far between,” said Julia Church, manager of programs and services at the Emily Murphy Centre. “Tonight, we say it's time for a change. It's time for our city to grow and evolve so that everyone in our community can experience it in the same safe way." 

Attendees gathered at Market Square to make signs and buttons ahead of the protest, as well as learn more about local organizations providing support services including the Emily Murphy Centre, Optimism Place, the Children’s Aid Society, Huron Perth Public Health, Family Services Perth Huron, Victim Services Perth Huron and the Stratford Police Service. There was also a set of visual art and poetry created by survivors as part of the No More Silence Art Display.

Those part of Take Back the Night in Stratford marched in solidarity with survivors from Market Square and down St. Patrick and Downie Streets before heading back.

“We march for everyone who has held their keys between their fingers walking home at night, who has asked their friend to text or call me when you're home safe, or has worried that they will lose a best friend or the support of their community if they share their story,” Church said ahead of the march. “Violence grows in silence. When we gather visibly, loudly, together, we break that silence and we start a new narrative. We tell survivors we believe you, we stand with you, and you are not alone."