For decades across North America and in many parts of the world, women have taken to the streets in an effort to “Take Back The Night” and address the prevalence of sexual violence against women and children. Michelle found reference to a TBTN march in 1995 from her personal “archive,” i.e., an old trunk.
An article and photos from the Guardian (Charlottetown) from a Take Back the Night event in the fall of 1995.
Collage of black and white photos of PEI feminists in 1995, at an event calling for an end to sexualized violence. Archive of Michelle Jay!
In the early 2000s there was a lull in TBTN events, as women’s organizations struggled to maintain programs and staff during times of austerity and lack of support for equality work. Feminist organizations were struggling and no one had the energy or resources to take on the public event.
It was with great joy and profound relief that the community welcomed Rape and Sexual Assault Centre’s leadership in reinstituting Take Back the Night marches and events in 2020, adapted for the COVID years. Take Back The Night has become part of a week-long series of events about prevention of sexual assault and violence (Sexual Assault Awareness Week). Young women and experienced leaders have wisely, creatively, and energetically re-engaged us in calling publicly for an end to sexual violence in our community.
Marchers at the reinstituted 2020 Charlottetown Take Back the Night march along a path in Victoria Park.
Chairperson Debbie Langston, speaking after the 2020 Take Back the Night march in PEI.
We are so proud that over the 50 years that the Advisory Council on the Status of Women has existed, that we have been a part of organizing and participating in the Take Back The Night efforts to end sexual violence. We are also sad that such events are still so necessary.
