Kingston women reclaimed the streets Friday night at the 25th annual Take Back the Night rally and march. Despite the chilly weather, more than 50 women and three men met at Confederation Basin to protest violence against women.
More than half of Canadian women over the age of 16 have been physically or sexually abused, but only eight percent of cases are reported, said Morgan Vanek, ArtSci ’07, who spoke at the event on behalf of the Sexual Health Resource Centre.
Carrying signs reading “No More Silence,” and “Safe Streets Are a Right,” marchers paraded up Queen Street, along Sydenham Street and down Princess Street, while onlookers waved and smiled.
The marchers blew noisemakers and chanted slogans such as “Women, united, will be never be defeated” and “Claim our bodies, claim our rights, take a stand, Take back the night!”
This year’s rally featured songs and poetry readings as well as several guests–including a volunteer from Interval House, a shelter for abused women and children.
Jennifer Holub, ArtSci ’07, sang “Behind the Wall,” a Tracy Chapman song about domestic violence. Event co-chair Katie Amey said the goal of the march was to raise awareness and to empower women.
“It was an empowering experience for me, personally,” she said, adding that women don’t have to identify as feminists to take part in the event. “Women around the globe share the experience of feeling unsafe on the streets of their community,” she said. “It’s a great night for all women.” Julian Gregory, ArtSci ’10, agreed that there should be more awareness about this issue.
“I wish more people paid more attention,” he said.
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