TAKE BACK THE NIGHT

A BRIEF HISTORY OF TAKE BACK THE NIGHT

The first Take Back the Night rally occurred in 1877 as a protest against the insecurity and violence women endured in England’s streets at night.

Later, in 1978, San Francisco protesters used the “Take Back the Night” slogan as an anthem for a national anti-violence and anti-pornography march. Thousands of people marched in front of homes and into the Red-Light District of the city, closing several strip clubs and massage parlors.

Today, Take Back the Night events occur everywhere. Protesters gather to reclaim their safety of public spaces at night, as well as speak out against the daily violence women experience. The event also offers individuals, especially sexual assault victims and survivors, the chance to empower themselves, ultimately changing their lives and those around them.

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT IN ATHENS

Take Back the Night (TBTN) marches in Athens have also helped the community explore issues like date rape, sexual harassment, incest and child sexual abuse. With the support of local businesses, non-profit organizations and the university, Take Back the Night has encouraged many individuals to take a stand against these threats to our society, as well as aided in the healing process of sexual assault victims and survivors.

Because April is the national sexual assault awareness month, TBTN has been held during this time. Though there is no wrong way to organize TBTN, the general format that has been used locally includes survivors and performers, as well as a march, a candlelight vigil and a speak-out session. During the speak-out, victims and survivors of sexual assault share their stories, as those around them listen. The experience is both thought-provoking and emotionally charged.

Other events, like the “Clothesline Project,” (where lots of t-shirts containing messages from TBTN participants, victims and survivors are hung on a clothesline) have helped spread the TBTN message and purpose to the community.

CONTACT US

If you would like to support, volunteer, or participate in Athens 2005 Take Back the Night, please email takebackthenight@listserv.uga.edu Also, make sure you continue to check our site for updates and information concerning the event.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT TBTN

Myth: Only feminists participate in TBTN.
Wrong: Feminists are not the only ones involved in TBTN. Anyone who supports the cause is welcomed to participate.

Myth: TBTN is a women’s only event.
Wrong: Though some in the past have been for women only, Athens’ TBTN and many others are for all individuals who care about stopping violence against women and the fear of public spaces at night that women endure.

Myth: If I participate in TBTN, others may think I am a sexual assault victim or survivor.
Wrong: Everyone who is a part of TBTN is not a sexual assault victim or survivor, but a believer in the rights of women everywhere. Even if you are a sexual assault victim or survivor, you will not be judged for your attendance or involvement in TBTN.

Myth: It doesn’t matter whether I’m a part of TBTN.
Wrong: So WRONG!!! Everyone’s support and attendance of TBTN makes a difference. The more persons involved with the cause, the more empowerment and improvement it can make in individuals lives as well as the community. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of such an experience? In fact, tell your friends, relatives and anyone else you can think of about TBTN!

PICTURES

TBTN LINKS

You can view previous TBTN articles, as well as find about more information about sexual assault and violence against women at the following sites.

Red and Black Take Back the Night article by Cassandra Belter
http://www.redandblack.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/04/21/408602e44e05d?in_archive=1.htm

University Health Center's Relationship/Sexual Violence Prevention and Response (RSVP) Coalition
http://www.uhs.uga.edu/rsvp/index.html

Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault
http://www.gnesa.org/get_help/rcc/ne_ga.html

UGA's Institute for Women's Studies
http://www.uga.edu/wsp