Raising awareness and support through Take Back the Night

Trigger Warning: This article discusses sensitive topics related to sexual assault and violence. The content may be distressing or triggering for some readers. We encourage anyone affected to seek support and prioritize their well-being.

Take Back the Night (TBTN) is a global movement against sexual and gender-based violence. On Sept. 19, 2024, Humber Polytechnic and the University of Guelph-Humber joined forces to host their annual TBTN march at the North campus.

TBTN started in the 1970s to raise awareness and advocate for women and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and harassment. The first Take Back the Night march was held in 1975 in Philadelphia after microbiologist, Susan Alexander Speeth, was murdered when walking home. Today, TBTN continues to push for a world free from fear.

We attended the march at the Humber North campus, here’s what happened:

Promoting safety on campus

Sterling Crowe, the associate dean of Humber’s Student Wellness & Equitable Learning, emphasized the importance of supporting Take Back the Night, especially on campus. Humber strives to create safe spaces where students feel like they belong, regardless of gender identity or sexuality.

The event gathered different departments from UofGH, alongside organizations like Ernestine’s Women Shelter, which focuses on supporting survivors, and alumni band Zee and The Homies. Lead singer Zee Seon highlighted how attending events like TBTN open a dialogue about gender-based violence, how to stop it and move forward.

Listen, believe, support

On-campus initiatives to raise awareness surrounding gender-based violence and supporting victims — *Picture by IGNITE*

Victims often struggle to navigate a world where they feel unseen and unheard. Most survivors don’t speak up due to fear of not being believed or facing systemic barriers. As stated by the TBTN Organization, less than 50 per cent of victims report their cases. This is largely due to fear of raising their voices.

Community and justice services students, Abbie Koyata, Mily Portugal and Sara Boucher, shared their thoughts on why it is essential to listen, believe, and support victims.

“Allies and survivors, unite globally to fight against norms and raise awareness through education, especially to those who don’t seem to care,” Koyata said.

“You should always believe the victim.”

Sara Boucher

We must recognize that gender-based violence is a systemic issue. “It is not a black-and-white situation,” Portugal said. A systematic review published by the European Journal of Psychotraumatology highlights that many survivors struggle to access support and service providers.

“It takes everyone’s care and understanding to eradicate a problem that affects so many lives mentally and physically,” Boucher added.

Your story matters

Take Back the Night march sign encouraging to raise ones' voice — *Picture by IGNITE*

Breaking the silence is the first step toward change. Speaking up encourages others to join, amplifying the message and making a greater impact.

If you are a victim of gender-based violence, remember your voice has power and you are not alone. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community and knowing your rights and resources can make it easier to share your story.

Advocate for change

Take Back the Night event speakers talking about advocacy and student well-being — *Picture by IGNITE*

Allies play a crucial role in creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories, and you can too.

You can start by inspiring action and be the change you are looking for. Just by attending events such as TBTN, you are having an active role in changing the system.

“As allies, we need to make it known that it is not okay for sexual assault and harassment to happen,” Alberta Boateng said, a student attending the march.

“The world is a better place where consent is present.”

Alberta Boateng

Health and safety resources

Humber Public Safety resources featuring Humber Guardian App — *Picture by Gianmarc Cole.*

Humber offers many resources to help keep students safe and informed. You can download the Humber Guardian App for emergency support, campus walk services and emergency and security contacts.

For safety education, Humber, in partnership with the Department of Public Safety, offers trainings such as the Student Worker Health & Safety Awareness Training, It Takes All of Us Training and the Bystander Program.

If you need support, there are on-campus and off-campus resources available. You can also report sexual assault and get legal and health referrals both on and off campus.

Sony Pictures Television 'You were so Brave!' Gif — *Via GIPHY*

Take Back the Night reminds us to be mindful of our behaviours, raise awareness and promote a safe space for survivors. We all have a role in building a safer tomorrow and preventing harm.

If you are a victim, remember you are not alone in this and by raising your voice you can make an impact in many lives.

Feature image courtesy of IGNITE.

Do you want to learn more about being an activist in the community? Check out ways to become a stronger ally!