The first Take Back The Night (TBTN) took place in Hamilton in 1981. Since then, every fall in Hamilton women have gathered at city hall for this important event. We carried this tradition on last night (Sept 28th, 2017) as hundreds of women gathered at city hall to support survivors of sexual violence and to march the streets of Hamilton.
Take Back The Night is organized by SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre – Hamilton & Area). This event serves as a powerful opportunity for survivors and their supporters to gather, build connections, offer support, and assertively reclaim the right to safety for all. You can learn a lot more about SACHA on their website.
The importance of this event can not be overstated. To stand shoulder-to-shoulder in unity with your fellow women is such a powerful feeling. The well of emotions that rises up as the walking, chanting, and singing kick in is enough to bring you to tears. A particularly powerful moment was when the march made way through Hess Village and we came to a full stop shouting ‘Hey, Hess! A Dress Is Not A Yes’. This moment was especially meaningful as it came just a few days after that horrible video about ‘Fun At Hess Village’ made rounds. (Fun meaning sexual assault of drunk women – in this case)
If you missed the march and/or if you’re interested in another way of supporting SACHA you can attend the fundraiser show happening this Sunday at This Ain’t Hollywood. The event is hosted by Mother Tareka and will feature DJ LP, Coszmos Quartette, The Vaudevillian, Easy Lemon, Lee Reed, and Persons. Find the showtimes and all other details here.
There are several other ways that you can make a donation to SACHA, learn more on their website.
** We’ve used the term ‘women’ in this piece as a shorthand to represent all of the women that take part in Take Back The Night. This includes cis-Women, transwomen, and gender non-conforming folks.
