31st ‘Take Back the Night’ event to be held in Oshawa

The Durham Region Rape Crisis Centre is hosting its 31st annual Take Back the Night event in Oshawa next month to support survivors of sexual violence.

Take Back the Night events began back in the 1970s amid a rash of violence against women in the United States. The first event was held in Philadelphia following the murder of microbiologist Susan Speech as she walked home.

The events quickly spread across the US riding the second wave of feminism. They were initially designed as protests against violence women experience while alone at night but have since grown into a protest against all forms of sexual violence.

Though some events had been held earlier, the events spread throughout Canada following the 1989 mass shooting at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. The shooter had a significant history of misogynist behaviours and claimed to be “fighting feminism” during the attack. He killed 14 women and injured another 14 people during his rampage through the university.

The protests are now held across Canada and at least 12 other countries. Typically, they include a rally and a march through the evening in solidarity. While the events were previously women-only, they’ve since evolved to include men as supporters and survivors.

Oshawa’s event will be held at the YWCA at 1 McGrigor Street off of Simcoe Street at 6 p.m. on Sept. 19. It will feature survivor speakers sharing their personal and inspirational stories, live entertainment, pizza and refreshments.

The event is free and all are welcome, the Centre said. Registration is available online.