Hundreds of Londoners gathered in Victoria Park on Thursday evening, September 18, 2025, to participate in the annual ‘Take Back the Night’ march. This popular event, a cornerstone in the ongoing fight against sexual assault, rape, abuse, and all forms of gender-based violence, returned with significant community support after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The march serves as a powerful demonstration of solidarity, a call for justice, and a space for collective healing for survivors and their allies.
A Movement Centuries in the Making
The ‘Take Back the Night’ movement has a long history, originating in the 1970s as a direct response to the pervasive fear women experienced walking alone at night and the lack of safety in public spaces. Initially a protest against violence against women, its mission has since expanded to encompass all forms of violence against all individuals, though sexual violence against women remains a primary focus. The movement aims to reclaim public spaces and empower communities to stand against violence. This year’s event in London, Ontario, is a testament to the enduring relevance of this global initiative, which sees hundreds of events held annually in over 30 countries.
Community United Against Violence
The 2025 ‘Take Back the Night’ march in London was a collaborative effort, coordinated by a coalition of local organizations. Key partners included the London Abused Women’s Centre, Anova, Changing Ways, Queer Intersections, the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support & Integration (MRCSSI), Western University, Fanshawe College, and the City of London. This broad partnership highlights the community’s commitment to working together to end violence and support survivors.
Attendees gathered in Victoria Park for speeches, poetry, music, and sign-making activities before commencing their march through the downtown core. The event emphasized messages of consent and addressed the ongoing pain caused by gender-based violence. For many, the march was a vital opportunity to speak out and demand systemic change, especially in light of recent events that have brought issues of sexual assault and consent to the forefront of public discourse. This year’s march also coincided with Ontario’s first-ever Consent Awareness Week, a new legislative initiative aimed at promoting respectful relationships and consent education.
Voices of Resilience and Advocacy
A poignant highlight of the evening was the personal testimony of author and justice advocate Jane Piper. Piper, a survivor of a violent sexual assault in August 2003, shared her journey of healing and reclaiming anniversaries of trauma. “I survived, but I had a long way to go before I got my life back. It would take years of hard healing work. I didn’t want to feed the painful memories every year on the anniversary. So, I set out to reclaim the day. Like tonight, we’re here to ‘Take back the night!'” Piper stated, underscoring the event’s theme of reclaiming power and narratives.
Another featured speaker was Sydney Brouillard-Coyle, a queer, transgender, non-binary, and asexual advocate and writer, whose participation underscored the event’s commitment to inclusivity and addressing violence against all marginalized communities.
Addressing Persistent Issues in London
The ‘Take Back the Night’ march in London occurs against a backdrop of persistent challenges. Recent statistics indicate a concerning rise in reported sexual assaults in the city, with 586 reported in 2023 alone. However, a significant portion of these cases, less than half, have led to charges, raising questions about the effectiveness of the justice system and the support available to survivors. The event serves as a critical reminder that while awareness has grown, the work to eradicate sexual violence and ensure accountability is far from over.
The atmosphere at the rally was somber yet resolute, with attendees expressing solidarity not only with survivors but also with communities disproportionately affected by violence. Recent incidents, such as hateful graffiti targeting women and a high-profile sexual assault trial verdict, have heightened the urgency for community action and dialogue.
Looking Forward: A Call for Continued Action
The ‘Take Back the Night’ march is more than just an annual event; it is a public refusal to remain silent and a demand for systemic change. The organizers and participants are committed to fostering safer communities and supporting survivors’ healing journeys. The event, along with other ongoing initiatives like the Shine the Light on Women Abuse campaign and the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, aims to keep the conversation alive and build momentum towards a future free from violence. The popular news surrounding this event highlights a community actively engaged in addressing critical social issues. As Jennifer Dunn, executive director of the London Abused Women’s Centre, noted, “We are not where we need to be in 2025.” The collective participation in ‘Take Back the Night’ signifies a shared commitment to achieving that goal.
