This year TBTN took on a whole new meaning for mafia members. We got to help plan and (of course) particpate in this annual event. Planning this event was at times nerve wrecking- with week to week meetings, some overly enthuastic committee members, last minute glitches, and worries that no one would show--- but it worked out well and we had an attendance of about 200 + women, children and doggies. We also raised some money for a local charity thanks to our many generous particpants who enjoyed baked goods and hot chocolate afterwards. A good time was had by all.
We just wanted to share the history of TBTN with those readers who may have never heard of it, or who might possible want to hold their own event.-----
From the late 1970's through present day, Take Back The Night events have been held by college and university women's centers, YWCA's, rape crisis centers, community centers, high school student groups, battered women's shelters, and other organizations dedicated to helping women achieve safety and empowerment. Events have been held in England, Belgium, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean Islands, the United States, and likely other corners of the globe.
Men are also lending their voices and standing as survivors at many events. Most events involve candlelight vigils, speak outs, marches and rallies in order to raise awareness about sexual violence. Some events involve only women, but as more men voice their own stories of sexual abuse, most events are coed efforts to raise awareness and promote healing. All events strive to bring awareness to the problem of sexual violence and support those who have been victimized.
Early events focused on unsafe streets, cities and campuses; and then as a protest to pornography and the degradation of women and sexuality. Today, events highlight the problem of violence against women as well as the broader issues of sexual violence: sexual assault, rape, dating violence, sexual abuse, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, child abuse, internet harassment and other unhealthy relationships. Take Back The Night fights to end child prostitution and world-wide sexually related crimes.
http://www.takebackthenight.org/history.html
