Survivors, grieving family members and activists spoke at a powerful Take Back the Night march this evening.

Dozens of people lent their support to the march, which began at 6:30 p.m. at the Women’s Memorial Monument on the River Walk.

The evening began with speakers from the AMATA Transition House and the Quesnel Women’s Resource Centre (QWRC). Mothers spoke of daughters lost to domestic violence and survivors spoke about the #MeToo movement and the spotlight now shining on violence against woman. Other family members and friends spoke of loved ones lost, and the profound impact it has had on their lives.

“I can see the shadows getting smaller,” remarked one tearful survivor. “Less places to hide. Together we are making this happen, together we are taking back the night.”

Following the speakers, the crowd gathered around the monument for a moment of silence, followed by a traditional drumming ceremony.

The names of those written on the monument and remembered that night were then read out.

Marchers were provided lights and signs, and together made the walk back from the Women’s Memorial Monument to the QWRC.

More photos to come in the print edition of the Quesnel Cariboo Observer on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

heather.norman@quesnelobserver.comLike us on Facebook