The Chatham-Kent Sexual Assault Crisis Center (CKSACC) has organized its Take Back the Night rally.
The event is meant to raise awareness in hopes of ending sexual violence.
“We do these public events in order to educate people and let them know what's happening and to empower women,” said CKSACC Executive Director Linda Soulliere. “We want women to come out and make noise and realize how powerful they are and that the streets belong to all of us and we should all be safe.”
The theme, ‘Shatter the Silence’, is focused on giving women a voice.
Just six per cent of women who have been sexually assaulted will report it to police because of the unfavourable view they have of how they will be treated by the justice system, according to Soulliere.
“Here in Chatham-Kent, it's one of the few major crimes that does not decrease. Actually, there's been a 20 per cent increase in sexual assaults and domestic violence here in Chatham-Kent,” Soulliere continued.
The rally will begin at the Wish Centre and then march through the neighbourhood around William Street before returning to the Wish Centre.
“We had about 200 participants last year, and we're hoping we'll get even more this year. It's very noisy, very loud, and women can have fun with it,” said Soulliere.
CKSACC will be giving away cowbells, noise makers, glow sticks, and whistles before the march.
“We're hoping the outcome will be to increase public awareness and to let governments, employers, institutions, and law enforcement stop protecting abusers and take some action to protect survivors. Women shouldn't have to be the ones to try and keep themselves safe,” Soulliere added.
Both women and men are encouraged to take part in the rally and march, taking place on September 19.