Women across the Quinte region marched through downtown Belleville Thursday night to rally against sexual violence and the victim blaming that accompanies it.
Women began marching from Market Square down Front Street, up Victoria Avenue, across Pinnacle Street back to Market Square chanting and rallying to end violence against women. Photo by: Alex Mahar/Quinte News.
The night began at Market Square with abused women telling their stories to a crowd of over 100 people.
Together united, the women marched through downtown Belleville.
Signs, chants and power on display as women take back the night in Belleville. Photo by: Alex Mahar/Quinte News.
Take Back the Night began around 30 years ago in Belleville. The event committee includes: the Three Oaks Foundation, Red Cedars Shelter, Alternatives for Women, Maggie’s Resource Centre, Ontario Native Women’s Association, Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, DVSARP, Community Legal & Advocacy Centre, the Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte and District, Warrior Women Quinte and community members.
Farrell also explains what Take Back the Night is.
This year women marched together but also created a space for male allies to stand and support the march.
Take Back the Night is an international event held in over 30 countries with the mission of ending sexual, relationship, and domestic violence in all forms. The goal is to let women feel empowered and not afraid to go out at night.
September is also sexual violence awareness month.
