Take Back the Night returning Sept. 20

Organizers of a candlelight vigil and walk returning to the city next month are encouraging citizens to step up, speak out and take a stand against sexual violence.

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Fleming College and partner organizations are welcoming survivors of sexual violence and harassment, their supporters and allies to join together in solidarity for Sept. 20 events in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton.

Participants are being welcomed to join together to build a more healing and inclusive community in the wake of local issues of sexual assault, online luring and sexual harassment, changes to campus policies on sexual violence and harassment and recent high profile sexual assault trials, organizers stated in a press release.

Events begin at 7 p.m. and will include rallies with speeches, musical performances and spoken word poetry followed by the Light Your Way solidarity walk at 7:30 p.m. Supplies will be available for pre-rally poster-making, organizers stated.

Locations include Millennium Park in Peterborough (meeting at the Silver Bean Café at 130 King St.), Victoria Park in Lindsay at 207 Kent St. W., The Gathering Place monument in Victoria Park in Cobourg and the Head Lake Band Shell in Haliburton.

Related events will also take place at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School the night before, beginning with refreshments and information booths in the lobby at 6 p.m. with a screening of the rated 14+ film A Better Man at 6:30 p.m.

Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion with community social service providers to create a dialogue around the issue of sexual violence, organizers stated. Child care will be provided by Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre volunteers.

NOTE: The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre website is at www.kawarthasexualassault centre.com, or call 705-748-5901.