CORNWALL, Ontario – It’s time for Cornwall to ‘Take Back the Night’ again.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne announced Thursday (September 17) an increase in funding for all 42 sexual assault centres by $1.75 million annually to $14.8 million a year, as the annual walk to combat violence and encourage victims to speak out quickly approaches.
“It’s perfect timing, but we don’t know the local funding details yet,” said Jillian Reed, public education and volunteer coordinator of Sexual Assault Support Services for Women of SDG&A.
Dozens of people will rally for the SASS walk on Thursday, September 24, at Equipe Psycho-Sociale (610 McConnell) at 6 p.m. There will be a rally at 7:00 p.m. and the march gets underway at 7:30 p.m.
This year, Zumba with Jasmine Delage and Adele Wilson will be adding some rhythm to the 45-minute walk.
SASS is hosting the event with Maison Interlude House, Victim Services of SDG&A, and the Cornwall Community Police Service.
“It’s about gathering the community together to create more of an awareness for victims and survivors, and we’re hoping to show that there are people and organizations here to support them,” said Maxine Leblanc, Maison Interlude House Outreach Services.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Light snacks and refreshments will be available after the walk.
All four local federal candidates have also been invited to march and show their support.
Take Back the Night was resurrected locally three years ago, after over half a decade hiatus. The grassroots global anti-violence movement originally launched in Philadelphia in 1975.
For more information, visit sassforwomen.ca.
