All of Chatham-Kent is being invited to fight back against gender-based violence against women and girls Sept. 19.
That’s the date the second annual Take Back the Night march and rally will take place in Chatham.
According to a media release from the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre, rates of sexual assault continue to rise both locally and provincially, with women aged 15 to 24 years facing the highest levels of victimization.
Local agencies are also reporting growing demand for support services, counselling and emergency shelter access.
Linda Soulliere, executive director of the centre, said community support is critical.
“Now more than ever, it’s important that we show up – for survivors, for each other, and for the future of our community,” Soulliere said. “Gender-based violence impacts everyone, and a large community presence at events like this sends a clear message: we will not tolerate it.”
While the event centres around the experiences of women and gender-diverse people, the Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Centre is encouraging men and male-identifying allies to attend in support, emphasizing that the fight against gender-based violence cannot be fought alone.
“We need everyone – especially men – to stand with us and help shift the culture,” Soulliere said. “It’s not enough to say you’re against violence. We need people to show up.”
Soulliere points to Statistics Canada that while sexual assault numbers continue to rise, that’s only part of the picture, as the majority of survivors still don’t feel safe coming forward.
“Events like this are about reclaiming space, building community, and making it clear that we must be loud and unignorable,” Soulliere stressed.
Focusing on solidarity, healing and resistance, the Take Back the Night event runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. in Chatham, with a post-march gathering taking place at the W.I.S.H. Centre. For more information, access @CKSACC on all social media, email [email protected] or call 519-354-8908.
