What is Take Back the Night?

Contributed by: Debra Marino, Director of Power Based Violence Prevention and Education

Take Back the Night is a worldwide movement to help stand against sexual violence. In the 1970s, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Los Angeles received media attention due to incidents of violence against women. This was the start of Take Back the Night, beginning in 1970 with a Tribal Council Meeting of women from 40+ countries. They met in Belgium, with over 2,000 women participating to advocate for women’s safety.

Take Back the Night events happen all across the globe, bringing people together to share and listen to survivor stories. It is a safe space where support is offered, helping individuals know that they are not alone and that people care for them. Many college campuses and communities in the US have survivor speak-outs, rallies, and marches. Individuals have the opportunity to tell their stories in an environment that is both empathetic and supportive.

One example of a survivor story in a podcast on the Take Back the Night official website is about a girl named Marina from Brazil. She is a survivor of abuse and wants to share her story with the determination of making a change. “Desensitized to sexualization, young Marina is dazzled by Jeffrey Epstein’s collection of Victoria’s Secret bottles and models for him, topless. Later testifying as Minor Victim #1 in the case against him, she shares a journey of exploitation, survival, escape, and ultimately, healing.” (Katie Koestner)

Marina, and many others, share their stories in hopes of inspiring others to do the same. Attending these events and hearing personal survivor stories in person helps people realize that they are not alone. Both the survivors and those listening are brought together through words and are shown how much support can be given at these events. The Take Back the Night movement puts emphasis on survivors being heard and supported, creating a safe environment that helps prevent violence.