Women unite (10 photos)

For three decades, Sault Ste. Marie has gathered on an evening in mid-September to show their support for and raise awareness of victims of violence of all forms.

Coordinated by the Phoenix Rising Women’s Centre and the Freedom Sisters, the annual Take Back the Night march Thursday evening saw dozens of participants march from Wellington Street to The Summit Church on Queen Street for refreshments and group discussions.

“Take Back the Night is a very important event. It’s women and families and men showing their support for individuals, and the empowerment of individuals, being able to take back the night,” said Lee Fraser, executive director and mental health support worker at Phoenix Rising.

“What that means to women is that we should, in this society, be able to walk in the streets of our community and feel safe,” she continued. “We should be able to – no matter what time of day, no matter what time of night – walk down the street, feel empowered and be safe. This is an event that’s in support of that.”

For the last 10 years, the number of local Take Back the Night participants has steadily increased, said Fraser, and has always included men and children, not just women.

Resolving the issue of violence against women requires awareness and full community support, she said.

“With the numbers growing every year and people in the community becoming more aware of what we’re trying to do, that certainly brings everyone together for the cause.”

To learn more about Take Back the Night, please click here.