Community members are invited to the 42nd annual Take Back the Night march, set to take place Friday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. with the goal of empowering sexual violence survivors and raising awareness about the ongoing gender-based violence epidemic in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The event was scheduled to begin at Bannerman Park, but will now begin at The Lantern (35 Barnes Road) due to expected rain. The event will begin with engaging speakers and ASL interpreters before the event reception at 7:00 p.m.
Attendees can expect community resource tables, music by DJ Miss Mixx, and art exhibits commemorating local survivors of sexual exploitation in the province.
A poster and button making event for the march will also take place on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the centre for End Sexual Violence NL located at 15 Hallett Crescent Suite 101 in St. John’s.
UPDATED Take Back the Night event timeline:
6:30 p.m. – Gathering speeches at The Lantern
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Reception continues at The Lantern
What is Take Back the Night?
Beginning in the 1970s, Take Back the Night marches emerged worldwide in response to disproportionate gender-based violence against women, initially starting in protest of women’s inability to walk safely after dark. However, the annual march has evolved to recognize all forms of sexual violence in our communities with the aim of centering voices of survivors regardless of social location, such as gender, race, or age, among others.
More information on the Take Back the Night march, including route maps and additional resources, can be found on End Sexual Violence NL’s website and social media channels.