Timmins hosts Take Back the Night march

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Timmins held a ‘Take Back the Night’ rally and march on Thursday.

Dozens gathered at the Timmins & Area Women in Crisis Centre for prayers, speeches and song before taking to the streets. In the streets, people called out in a unified voice against sexual violence.

Organizers told CTV News that the protest is the oldest worldwide movement that takes a stand against this type of crime and it is necessary to not give up as they say numbers are not going down – adding according to Statistic Canada, sexual assault rates are as high as they were in 1996; and nearly 1 in 10 Indigenous women were victims of a violent crime in 2019.

Participants in the rally said they felt it was important for them to be part of the event.

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“It’s just something so hold close to my heart,” said one person marching.

“A message knowing that we’re not alone. That there is support out there – allies. There are people who are there to help support us and yes, just to come together in a movement of solidarity.”

Another marcher spoke about their belief in women’s rights.

This was the 31st ‘Take Back the Night' March in Timmins – with the international movement beginning in 1976.