On September 27th, the towns of St. Stephen, St. Andrews, and St. George in Charlotte County will unite in solidarity for the annual Take Back the Night event. This global movement, aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence and offering support to survivors, will take a restorative approach this year. Stephanie Clarke, a sexual violence counsellor at the Willow Centre, is at the helm of organizing this significant event.
Vicki Hogarth – Local Journalism Initiative
“Take Back the Night has a long and powerful history,” Clarke explained. “The first event was held in England in 1877, led by women who were fearful of going out at night. They wanted to take a stand and raise awareness, saying it should be safe for them to walk freely at night.” The movement spread globally, reaching the United States in 1978, and has since evolved into a worldwide campaign against sexual violence and for safer public spaces.
This year’s Take Back the Night in Charlotte County will emphasize restorative healing. “We wanted to focus on the restorative aspect of healing by coming into the nighttime, allowing participants to exist freely outdoors and do normal activities without fear,” Clarke said. The event will include light yoga sessions led by three volunteer instructors, along with opportunities for meditation and mindfulness, creating a safe space for participants to reclaim their sense of security.
Clarke emphasized the vital role of community support in addressing sexual violence. “Raising awareness in our own communities is crucial,” she said. “It’s important for people to realize that this issue is happening locally, and by participating, they show solidarity with survivors.” Events like Take Back the Night help break the silence surrounding sexual violence, promoting open discussions and increasing public awareness. “The more we talk about it and bring it into the light, the stronger we become as a community.”
The Willow Centre, where Clarke works, plays a key role in supporting survivors in Charlotte County. “We offer counselling, advocacy, and various forms of support,” she explained. In addition to individual and group counselling, the centre provides educational presentations on sexual violence awareness and prevention. Clarke also highlighted the work of the Charlotte County Abuse Prevention Network, a coalition of nine organizations collaborating to offer comprehensive resources for survivors.
One of the largest barriers to seeking help is the stigma attached to sexual violence. “There’s often fear and disbelief that prevent individuals from reaching out,” Clarke said. She stressed the need for creating a non-judgmental and supportive environment, where survivors feel safe to share their experiences and seek assistance.
Clarke also dispelled a common misconception that trauma only results from extreme events. “Trauma is anything that makes you feel like your life is threatened or leaves you in survival mode for too long,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing all forms of trauma.
As Charlotte County prepares for Take Back the Night, Clarke’s message is one of empowerment and hope. “Sexual violence doesn’t just affect the survivors—it impacts everyone around them,” she said. By coming together, the community can build resilience and create a safer, more supportive environment for all.
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