Take Back the Night UNF

“Take Back the Night” brings people together to stand in unity against interpersonal violence and abuse in their community. A cross-campus march represents the solidarity of women and men who are not afraid to stand up and speak out against violence. A candle-lighting ceremony honors victims and survivors of violence, and survivors are given the opportunity to share their stories. Take Back the Night is a national movement conducted by organizations during April or October.  

March with us at Take Back the Night

Why Take Back the Night? 

A woman walks alone down a dark, deserted street. With every shadow she sees, and ever sound she hears, her pounding heart flutters and skips a beat.  She hurries her pace as she sees her destination become closer. She is almost there. She reaches the front door, goes inside, collects herself and moves on, forgetting, at least for tonight, the gripping fear that momentarily enveloped her life. This scene could have occurred anywhere last night, last year, or even 100 years ago. Historically, women have felt the anxiety of walking alone at night and that is why Take Back the Night was organized.

The first Take Back the Night event in the U.S took place in Philadelphia in October, 1975. Philadelphians rallied after the murder of microbiologist Susan Alexander Speeth, who was stabbed by a stranger a block from her home while walking alone.