For more than 30 years, Take Back the Night has been an emotional event for women and on Tuesday, more than 30 women came together at Elliot Lake Secondary School to support one another and raise awareness of abuse against women.
The night included a candlelight vigil for Ontario 26 women who were murdered for the single fact they were women as well as a protest sign-making station.
Best Haymer, counsellor at the East Algoma Counselling Center, said that even with the work the population is doing helping victims of domestic violence, a lot more work needs to be done to protect victims and help them move forward with their lives.
“Thank you for honouring the experience of victims,” she said. “A lot of work has been done to help but we still need more work to be done. So much of childhood violence perpetuates into adult victimization and this is where we need to help.”
Although this year’s event did not include a march outside at the high school’s track, women were still able to write empowering messages on bristol boards in honour and in memory of victims.
Julie Caissy, case support worker at the Centre Victoria des Femmes, was on hand to pass on the message of standing up and protecting one’s self and that there is always someone there to speak to, should the need arise.
“The Centre Victoria des Femmes is a francophone organization for women in need aged 16 and up,” she said. “We provide individual assessments as well as group assessments. We want to celebrate solidarity and strength in women.”
Near the end of the night, the women were treated to some self defense moves to help them fight off attackers, should the need be present. Members from In Motion Fitness were on hand to help the women with any questions.
In Motion vice president Ivan Bergeron said it’s imperative for anyone to know the basics of self defense.
“I would like for you ladies to know that it’s ok to fight back against an attacker,” he said. “You can do basic maneouvers to be able to run free.”
Event organizer Tanya Williams said she was impressed with the turnout this year and is glad the message is getting out about violence against women.
“I love that so many of you are here tonight to pay homage to victims of domestic violence,” she stated, pointing to the projector where the images and stories of victims were displayed.
“Please, if you could write a message for the victims, please do so. No one needs to suffer alone.”
“Together we can make a difference and end violence against women.”