More individuals are urged to support survivors and demonstrate solidarity, as highlighted by participants in the rally against gender-based violence in Charlottetown. The Take Back The Night march gathered over 100 people in downtown Charlottetown, with attendees holding signs bearing messages like “Your story matters” and “Stand with survivors,” and chanting, “Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe.”
While the event saw a significant turnout, many of the participants were women or members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Samantha Bitty, a sexual health and consent educator from Toronto, emphasized the need for greater attention and involvement from those primarily responsible for perpetuating such harm.
Anastasia Preston, the trans community outreach co-ordinator at PEERS Alliance, stressed the importance of men engaging in conversations about gender-based violence within male-centric spaces. Discussions at the march centered on the topic of consent, prompted by various online narratives, including the case involving seven former students at Cornell University, known as “the Cornell 7.”
Kyra Barlow, associated with the P.E.I. Rape and Sexual Assault Centre, emphasized the crucial role of early education on consent due to the influence of media and the internet on children’s perceptions and behaviors. Barlow shared a poignant analogy her mother used regarding consent, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication and respect for boundaries.
Preston, Bitty, and Barlow all emphasized that gender-based violence impacts individuals of all genders, with Preston underscoring how societal misogyny norms detrimentally affect both men and women. They pointed out that restrictive gender norms contribute to mental health challenges among men, as they are often discouraged from expressing a full range of emotions.
The event also served as a platform for solidarity, providing survivors, allies, and advocates with a sense of community and support. Barlow acknowledged the progress being made in addressing gender-based violence, attributing it to individuals bravely sharing their experiences and breaking the silence surrounding such issues.
While the march marked the conclusion of Sexual Assault Awareness Week, another Take Back The Night event is scheduled in western P.E.I. later this month.
