Take Back the Night march seen as 'celebration of strength' to end sexual violence
CBC
On Friday evening a crowd gathered in downtown St. John's to put a spotlight on gender violence through the annual Take Back the Night march.
There were signs, slogans, chants and music to kick off the evening that started at Harbourside Park and then the group, numbering around 45 people, walked in a line down Water Street where they gathered at the Supreme Court.
Sophie Broders said she was marching because sexual violence is a major problem in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"It's deeply impacted many of my friends' lives and it's deeply impacted my life," she told CBC News.
However, Broders said in a supportive and empowering environment, "It feels good to have someone listen and support you in such difficult matters."
She added that the march is an act of resistance.
"It shows that we're not going to be silenced. It shows that we care and that we will fight back and that people that are abused become people that speak up. And you can take away our rights, you can take away our bodies, but you cannot take our voices."
The Take Back the Night march also took place almost two months after Doug Snelgrove was granted bail as he petitioned the Supreme Court of Canada to hear his appeal. The RNC officer was convicted of sexual assault in 2021 in his third trial.
Broders said the latest development regarding Snelgrove was "beyond exhausting."
"I'd like to say I have no words but I have a lot of words," Broders said. "I have too many words."
WATCH | Dozens descend upon the Supreme Court steps to protest gender violence:
Amanda Will said sexual assault survivors had told her it has been difficult to hear several recent court cases. As well, she said some people have not reported because they're concerned over how long it will take them to go through the court system,
"I'm out here tonight to support survivors of sexual violence," said Will, who said she's been to a number of events like this over the years.
"There's a really good feeling here tonight," she said.
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