5th Annual Take Back the Night

Posted by Take Back the Night Philly on March 23, 2015

Philly’s 5th Annual Take Back the Night begins organizing &
Planning for this year’s event

When: Thursday April 23, 2015 | Marches begin at 5:45 pm
Where: Four marches will begin at various points throughout the city and converge at the First Unitarian Church at 2125 Chestnut Street at 6:15 pm

North Point – Participants should meet at the intersection of 22nd & Fairmount Sts.
South Point – Participants should meet at the intersection of 21st & Washington Sts
East point – Participants should meet at the intersection of 12th & Chestnut Sts.
West Point – Participants should meet at the intersection of 40th & Chestnut Sts.

What: A march, action, and speak out, raising awareness on and supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence. A space for survivors to be seen, heard, and listened to in a space which acknowledges the importance of breaking the silence and story sharing as a means of healing from violence.

Who: The Take Back the Night Coalition and organizing committee members.

See a list of our coalition members on our website: http://www.tbtnphilly.org

Event Details: Participants will meet at one of the four meet up locations and march together to the First Unitarian church where they will combine for a rally and “Bust the Myths” street action outside the church. The event will continue inside the church with a speak-out and story sharing of survivors & support people “Breaking the Silence” about their experiences with domestic and sexual violence. We will end with a candle light vigil at 9:30 pm in remembrance of those lost to & still living in violent situations.

Tables & resources for survivors will be set up by supporting organizations in our coalition.

Background: This incarnation of Take Back the Night was started in 2011 by staff and clients of Jefferson’s outpatient rehabilitation services. All members of the original organizing committee identified as survivors of violence and/or people in recovery from addiction. Some of our mission goals and commitments include creating access to survivor resources and actions which extend beyond the reach of most campus events. It is important to us that this is a diverse, survivor- led event that supports access to healing and changing the narrative of our society’s victim blaming culture. We use various mediums of expression to reduce the stigma of talking about violence and being a survivor of violence. We want all survivors and their supports to know, “You are not alone” and “It is not your fault”.

Why it’s important to get involved:
At least 1 in 3 women in the military are victims of military sexual trauma & harassment. (http://www.swan.org)
At least 1 in 4 women have been a victim of domestic violence (http://www.ndvh.org).
At least 1 in 5 women on a college campus have been a victim of sexual violence (http://www.ndvh.org).
At least 1 in 7 men have been a victim of domestic violence (http://www.ndvh.org)
At least 1 in 5 women have been a victim of sexual assault (http://www.rainn.org).
At least 1 in 10 men have been a victim of sexual violence (http://www.rainn.org).
At least 1 in 8 lesbian women & 2 in 5 transgendered people have been a victim of sexual violence (http://www.nclrights.org).

This is an epidemic. We can do better.