Take Back The Night

Take Back the Night 2009

Download the Take Back the Night flier (PDF)

31st Annual Take Back the Night Rally, April 29, at Bailey Howe-Library steps, UVM Campus at 5:30pm & Speakout at 6:30pm in Contois, Burlington City Hall

March throughout Downtown Burlington, Listen to our keynote speaker rally us in our efforts to fight against sexual violence. Honor the victims in our community who did not survive their violence as we walk from the UVM campus down to Church Street. Bear witness to songs, poems, and courageous stories at our open mic speakout. Come for support, build a community, and to break the silence!

Take Back the Night 2009 Recap

April showers did not hinder a quality filled month of Sexual Violence awareness-raising in our community. From art to education, from education to activism, Sexual Violence Awareness Month was a triumph on many levels. Throughout the month, several different agencies, organizations and groups organized events and activities to raise awareness about sexual violence and in support of the work of the Women’s Rape Crisis Center. Some of the month’s highlights were the Clothesline Project displayed in five locations – including at the University of Vermont, Community College of Vermont and Burlington College, a lunchtime discussion at Champlain College, UVM’s 4th Annual Dismantling Rape Culture Conference, the Red Flay Display at the Unitarian Universalist, UVM Women Center’s Healing Fire for Survivors of Sexual Violence, a Ruggers Against Rape tournament, Safespace’s Safety Dance, and, of course, the Take Back the Night rally, march and speakout.

All of this was made possible by hard work and dedication of many sexual violence survivors and allies. In fact, the SVAM Committee and WRCC volunteers logged over 300 hours in planning meetings and through volunteering at events. SVAM’s success this year was down to commitment of these volunteers, the incredible support from other agencies and organizations, and the beneficial collaborative efforts between agencies, such as UVM Women’s Center and the Women’s Rape Crisis Center. SVAM finished this year with the 31st annual Take Back the Night rally, march and speakout. Participants at this year’s Take Back the Night were entertained by the Cat’s Meow, Katherine Quinn, Luka and the Top Cats and energized into action by Jay Taylor, UVM Student body President and Ann Atkins, Director of Safespace. WRCC volunteer and staff efforts resulted in around 3,800 community members, students and professionals being reached via educational workshops and in outreach efforts at April events. THANK YOU to everyone who made Sexual Violence Awareness Month and Take Back the Night 2009 memorable!

Take Back the Night 2008 Recap

Last year marked the 30th anniversary of Take Back the Night in Burlington. To mark this historic occasion, Sarah Kenney of the Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault addressed a crowd of survivors, supporters and allies. Sarah’s inspirational and informative speech touched upon the importance of linking the past to the present:

“In a way, the metamorphosis of the WRCC mirrors what has happened in the movement statewide and nationwide. Moving from kitchen tables to tiny, donated spaces, to bigger office spaces, to purchasing buildings! This is pretty enormous progress, but it can come at a cost. The more we succeed at being “reputable”, respectable and collaborative, the more we risk losing touch with our roots. That’s why I’m so excited about the wonderful significance of the new building that the WRCC just purchased … The historical and political significance of the WRCC’s new home presents a great way to link our past to the future – to move forward in making progress for the rights and dignity of survivors, and offender accountability, while reconnecting with our radical roots”.
(To read full speech click here).

Longtime WRCC supporters and allies, Bob Kiss, the Mayor of Burlington, and Andi Higbee, Burlington Police Department’s Deputy Chief, also spoke at the rally. We also listened to a wonderful performance by Sarah Mell (see pic). After the rally, marchers energetically chanted their way from UVM’s Bailey-Howe library down to Burlington’s City Hall. The night ended with a Survivor Speakout. With over 150 sexual violence survivors, allies and advocates Taking Back the Night, the tradition and movement moves forward into the next thirty years. Thank you to everyone who made Take Back the Night a success!

If you would like to be involved in this year's Take Back the Night, or have any questions, please email our Director of Education and Outreach at jeanne@stoprapevermont.org