CORNWALL, Ontario – A mighty roar was heard through the streets of Cornwall on Thursday night as people marched together, calling for the end of sexual and domestic violence.
Take Back the Night kicked off with activities and a rally at Equipe Psycho-Social on McConnell Avenue to energize the group of survivors and allies before heading outside for a steadfast march.
Flanked by police cars and a decorated city bus for those who preferred not to walk, the march headed down McConnell to Montreal Road, coming back up Belmont Street and finishing at La Citadelle.
Angela Vinet, Executive Director of Sexual Assault Support Services for Women (SASS) and one of the event organizers explained “Together, we raise our voices and say sexual and domestic violence needs to end”.
Short, powerful chants united the group of marchers who proclaimed “No means no” and “We have the right to walk the night” and colourful but impactful signs helped get their message across.
Rejuvenated in Cornwall four years ago, Take Back the Night helps to shed light on these specific issues around the world and specifically within individual communities. Event organizer and Public Education and Volunteer Coordinator for SASS, Jillian Reed, explained more:
“Sexual violence absolutely happens in this area and we know it’s happening but we’re not talking about it enough but [Take Back the Night] is helping to open up that line of communication”.
Added Vinet “People do need to know that this is something that does happen here and that there is support for those that need it”.
The event was organized by a committee of four local agencies, Maison Baldwin House, SASS, Maison Interlude House, and Victim Services of SDGA, all of whom provide support to victims of sexual and domestic violence and abuse.
One of the evening’s guest speakers, Councillor Bernadette Clement, made an impactful speech including a heartfelt sentiment that had many in attendance nodding their heads.
“Cornwall is fantastic; we have a great Business Park, the Benson Centre, Lamoureux Park, but all of that doesn’t mean anything if our residents don’t have support when they face challenges” she added “the work of [these local agencies] is so helpful to so many and I am grateful to all of the people who do this work because they really do support our residents and help make them happy”.
In Canada, Take Back the Night events typically happen on the third Thursday of September which adds an extended element of unity across the country and gives the movement an even louder voice.
“Knowing people are out there in other communities saying ‘Hey, we deserve to feel safe in our streets and in our homes’ really makes it that much more powerful” said Reed.
To find out more information about the support services available in the community you can call any of the following agencies: Maison Baldwin House (613-938-3903), Maison Interlude House (613-525-5338), SASS for Women (613-932-1755), or Victim Services of SDGA (613-938-8900).
