Take Back the Night took to the streets of Cambridge Thursday to help end sexual and domestic violence.
The annual event unites participants to reclaim the night and walk the streets safely to celebrate, support and recognize survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Hosted by the W, a community space operated by YWCA Cambridge, Take Back the Night connects community with people and organizations working to end gender-based violence and who can support survivors in their healing.
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Kate Taylor, director of Programs at the YWCA Cambridge said this year, Take Back the Night is about community connection, and coming together again to combat sexual violence and violence against women.
“We saw, and we know, that violence has increased throughout the pandemic, and we certainly saw that echoed in our community. That is why it’s really important that we call attention to this and talk about the fact that yes, it’s women and girls but it’s also about trans and non-binary folks. Gender-based violence is happening at alarming rates in the community, and we need to recognize this,” Taylor said.
“Globally, we have seen rates of violence increase. Locally, we see full shelters and growing wait lists for support. We see a huge demand for services here in our own programs as isolation increased tensions in homes and in classrooms.”
Taylor said she wants to see increased access to supports in Cambridge.
“We want to be able to walk the streets and feel safe. We want youth to walk into their classrooms and feel respected and able to focus on learning. We want equality within our classrooms, community, places of work, our families, and our relationships. We have the right to be free from violence,” Taylor said.
“This year, more than ever, since this is our first event back in person since the pandemic, it is really an opportunity to connect with the community and with organizations and folks who support ending gender-based violence.”
Everyone was welcome to take part in the youth-led and family-friendly event. Participants including Cambridge mayor Kathryn McGarry gathered at The W on Dickson St. for the rally and march.
“It’s important to support these events. One act of violence is one act too many. We as women need to band together to make sure that awareness is out there. We have seen a dramatic rise of domestic violence and violence in our community since the pandemic,” McGarry said.
“This is the reason why we are out here tonight. There are kids and young people here and they recognize that in order to have a healthy society, we have to get beyond gender-based violence.”
YWCA Cambridge has been a leader on issues that impact women and girls in the community.
The W is home to a pre-employment program and youth programs for cis and trans girls, non-binary and two-spirit youth.
“This event is youth led, like everything we do here at the W. The last two years we have shared our Take Back the Night event online. We are so happy to be here together and to highlight the work of organizations who support those who are healing from violence,” Taylor said.
Participant Veronica Reid from Cambridge came out to march and show her support.
“For me, it’s to bring awareness and to support the people who may have lost someone, or for those who cannot walk themselves. We have to continue to be the voice. That’s why I do it. I’m a survivor myself and this is why this event is very important to me,” Reid said.
As nightfall approached, signs were lifted and the march began.
“Tonight, I am walking these streets in the dark with my daughter, and with all of you,” said Sara Hohenadel, coordinator of the Small Steps to Success program at the YWCA.
“And if I glance over my shoulder tonight, it will be to see a person marching alongside me. Tonight, I will not be afraid to walk. Tonight, we will not be afraid to walk.”
For more information about the YWCA and the W, visit here.
