Women in Crisis to host first Take Back the Night event in Centre Wellington

ELORA – Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis is set to host Centre Wellington’s first Take Back the Night event at Elora’s Bissel Park on Sept. 18 at 6:30pm. 

Take Back the Night is a global movement dedicated to ending sexual, relationship and domestic violence. 

Communities around the world host annual events such as vigils, marches, rallies and survivor speaking events with the aim of ending gender-based violence and giving survivors a safe place to share their stories.

Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis (GWWIC)has hosted Take Back the Night in Guelph since 1987 but hasn’t hosted an event in Wellington County – until now.

“Women in Crisis has always historically put on the event, and we’ve been doing it in Guelph since 1987, which is pretty remarkable,” said GWWIC public educator Charlie Butler, adding the reason an event hasn’t previously been held in Wellington County is capacity. 

“[Its important to recognize] that in rural communities these things do look a little different than in cities,” said Butler.

“It’s important to have a space where we can talk about the ways that sexual violence is happening in rural communities. That’s different from in Guelph.”

Asked about the difference between a rural and urban setting, Butler explained it is most common for sexual violence to be perpetrated by someone close to you or someone you know, and this is especially true in more rural settings.

“In the county it’s even more likely that it’s going to be someone you know, and it’s going to be even harder to talk about what’s happened because other people will likely know that person too,” said Butler.

 “And so I think it breeds a lot more shame. It breeds a lot more [of] not really knowing where to go for help. So it’s really important for [GWWIC] to sort of get out into the community and say ... ‘Hey, if this is something you’ve experienced, we are here to help’.

"We have offices throughout the county, you don’t have to come all the way to Guelph for support.”

This year’s event would not be possible without the help of local groups, including Kipp Elora, Centre Wellington Pride, Thrive HIV Prevention and Support and Youth Wellness Hubs. 

Kipp Elora will be operating the pizza oven at Bissell Park at a cost of $5 per pizza. Guests are invited to bring their own toppings but toppings will be available. Gluten-free dough will not be available and will need to be provided. 

The event will begin at 6:30pm and speakers will take the stage around 7:20pm. Following speakers, guests can participate in an open mic night to share poems, songs, stories or personal experiences.

For more information on the event or to seek support, contact GWWIC at gwwomenincrisis.org.