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By Bev Boyle

As a community, 100 Mile House and area residents are known for their support of various projects. 'Take Back the Night' needs everyone's support. The 100 Mile and District Women's Centre will host its annual Take Back the Night Candlelight Walk on September 30th at 6:30pm at 475 Birch Avenue.

The Women's Centre will hand out candles and placards for the 10-minute walk and then everyone is invited back to the centre for refreshments and entertainment.

Arlie Nelson from the 100 Mile House Women's Centre says, “Started in 1976 in Belgium, the walk (also known as Reclaim the Night) has grown into an international annual event intended as a statement to raise awareness of violence against women; to protest the way violence permeates the lives of women worldwide; and to change beliefs and attitudes in society that lead to acceptance and/or denial of violence against women.

Violence takes many forms, some subtle, more behind closed doors or at night. Even in our small and friendly community, there are many who don’t feel safe; women held hostage by violent partners; beaten with fists and/or words; women raped while walking at night or on dates; kids bullied; and people hurt because someone hates their race or sexual preference.

Our community Take Back the Night is a protest to all violence, against women, men, First Nations, all races and gender preferences and to envision change. This year our theme is Imaging Dancing in the Dark; Singing Away the Night. Imagine what safety would be like: safe to walk in the park in the evening; for teens on dates; at home, at school — safe to just be.

We invite everyone in the community. Bring your friends and family and join us on the Take Back the Night Candlelight Walk to affirm the right to be safe; and then stay for the entertainment.”

Try to attend this important community event and show your support for stopping violence. Men are also invited to take part. Many of them are subjected to abuse, too. And young men are especially asked to join in – to learn that abuse can be stopped.