Sexual assault and abuse are often silenced due to low rates of reporting and social stigma. Millions of people suffer from abuse and the pain continues years after the event took place. Take Back the Night is an event created to shatter the silence by recognizing rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and abuse. TBTN empowers those who have suffered by speaking out against violence and giving victims a voice.
The first TBTN took place in Philadelphia in 1975. Since then, thousands of marches and rallies have taken place worldwide under many names such as “Reclaim the Night,” and “Fly-by-Night Collective.” On Friday, November 4th, Missoula will host its own Take Back the Night. Participants are invited to bring a glass jar to hold a candle and a protest sign. The march starts at 4:15 at the Griz Statue on U of M Campus and will wind through downtown, eventually ending at Caras Park. At Caras Park, community members will speak and hot beverages and snacks will be provided. Anyone interested is welcome to join in on the rally and march. Take Back the Night supports and empowers survivors, raises awareness, and increases dialogue about sexual violence.
Why Take Back the Night? (excerpt from the official TBTN website)
A woman walks alone down a dark, deserted street. With every shadow she sees, and every sound she hears, her pounding heart flutters and skips a beat. She hurries her pace as she sees her destination become closer. She is almost there. She reaches the front door, goes inside, collects herself, and moves on forgetting, at least for tonight, the gripping fear that momentarily enveloped her life.
This scene could have occurred anywhere last night, last year, or even 100 years ago. Historically, women faced the anxiety of walking alone at night and that is why Take Back the Night began.
Learn more about Take Back the Night events and opportunities at http://www.takebackthenight.org/index.html