THE GLOUCESTER COALITION FOR THE PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
On April 23, 2018, the City of Gloucester, the Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse, the YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center, and HAWC will take a stand against sexual violence in all forms—dating abuse, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence – every type of sexual abuse.
Our event will begin at 5:30 PM at Gloucester City Hall (9 Dale Ave, Gloucester) and will end at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church Street, with a closing program which will include discussion about the issue of consent, as well as music and refreshments. People of all ages, races, religions, backgrounds, and genders are welcome to attend this free event and join us as we work toward a violence free Gloucester community.
Since the early 70’s, Take Back the Night Events (TBTN) have been held to bring together those committed to taking a public stand on behalf of sexual assault survivors in over 30 countries and 1000 locations around the world.  This will be Gloucester’s 6th Annual Take Back the Night event.
Once again, we will celebrate the voices of our community’s youth, as they lead the way in demanding an end to the injustice of sexual assault and harassment. Speakers at the event will include Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and representatives from the Gloucester Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse, the YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center, HAWC, the School Department and youth groups from the YMCA and GHS Gay Straight Alliance. Local Artist Nadia Robertson will provide a music performance.
Our TBTN event activities will include a gathering in honor of survivors of sexual violence and a walk to end all sexual and relationship violence. Â Sexual assault is an extremely personal experience, often silent, often unspoken, but one that changes lives forever. Most importantly, we cannot forget that rape and sexual violence can be prevented in a caring community where we are all given the opportunity to be an ally to victims and survivors.
SEE SOMETHING. SAY SOMETHING.
According to Ross Steinborn from the YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center, “The reality of sexual assault can be overwhelming for both the victim and the larger community. It’s important to remember that sexual assault can be prevented – first by always respecting other’s boundaries, and secondly by safely stepping in and checking when you notice situations that might seem threatening in any way to another.”
We invite all members of the community to join us in recognizing that there is no excuse for abuse and that as a community, we will speak up to offer safety to victims, ongoing education to the community, and do all we can to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and domestic violence.
MAKE YOUR OWN SIGNS AND JOIN US!
Good Morning Gloucester 