Join us for our annual Take Back the Night rally and march against sexual violence!

Take Back the Night is a global rally and march held to reclaim the streets, raise awareness, and foster solidarity against sexual violence.

The theme for this year’s Take Back the Night events is “Break the Silence, Stop the Violence.” Rates of sexual and gender-based violence are higher than they have been in decades, and while high profile cases such as those involving the OHL or Andrea Skinner have made the media, most cases remain unreported, and survivors of sexual violence who do speak out commonly find their experiences ignored, minimized, disbelieved and even suppressed.

But you can raise your voice against violence by joining us on Thursday, September 19 at 6pm, starting at Marianne’s Park (176 Gordon Street), Guelph.

This year’s event will feature performances by local musicians, as well as speakers, a kids’ activity table, a rally and march and a micro-workshop on self-defense.

All are welcome and all are welcome to march. The event will be livestreamed on Facebook and Instagram for those who can’t be there in person.

Featured Guests

Musical Guests

CJ Cooper is a singer/ songwriter from Guelph. She has travelled across Canada touring and promoting her original music and has performed at events like the National Bank Open and Canadian Music Week, sung with JJ Wilde at the London Music Hall, opened for Bif Naked and sung the anthem for the CFL and Team Canada Basketball.

CJ has won many awards including a “Covid Community Hero Award” from the Mayor of Guelph for her musical contributions during Covid. CJ is currently working on her third album and has recently performed in Sweden.

Sound of the Drum is a passionate OPIRG action group. Our mission is social change, community bonds, and joy. As part of the global movement Rhythms of Resistance, our beats resonate with and amplify social justice voices in our community. Let’s drum up change together!

Guest Speaker

Self-Defence Workshop Leader

Leslie Allin is a senior instructor with Wen-Do Women’s Self-Defence. She teaches at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, and trains facilitators for the EAAA Sexual Assault Resistance Education Program. Leslie has taught Wen-Do across Ontario, and in Québec, Nunavut, and Australia.

Route Map