Rally against gender-based violence held in downtown Kitchener

Over 100 residents took to Gaukel Block in downtown Kitchener for the 41st annual Take Back the Night rally on Thursday.

The rally, organized by the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region (SASCWR), was filled with emotional speeches, workshops and a march from Gaukel Block to Carl Zehr Square calling for an end to gender-based violence.

Karley Doucette, the SASCWR’s public education manager, said this year’s event marks the 41st year that a Take Back the Night rally has been held in the Waterloo Region.

“It’s very important for us to take back the streets, show folks we are in solidarity together and also include our male allies in the fight against gender-based violence,” said Doucette.

Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife, Kitchener MPP Aislinn Clancy, and Kitchener Centre MP Mike Morrice appeared at Thursday’s rally.

The Region Of Waterloo, as well as the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener And Waterloo, have officially declared Intimate Partner Violence to be an epidemic.