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Candlelight marchers rally against violence

Dozens march to Take Back the Night in 100 Mile House
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Dozens of residents marched through the streets of 100 Mile House protesting violence against women and children as part of a Take Back the Night rally on Oct. 2.

The streets of 100 Mile House saw a large group of marchers with signs and candles protesting violence on Oct. 2.

The annual Take Back the Night rally, organized by the 100 Mile House & District Women’s Centre, included a few dozen men, women and children and the Wranglers Junior B hockey team walking in solidarity.

Emma Bailey, a Stop the Violence counsellor, addressed the group before the evening march.

“Every six days a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner,” Bailey said.

“In their lifetime, up to 70 per cent of women have been victims of a violent crime.... Unfortunately, many women feel uncomfortable to report this violence, so numbers are likely much higher than reported.

“It is vital for us to open our doors and hearts to those suffering in our community.”

Bailey has been working at the Women's Centre for close to four months. Violence against women is an issue in both urban and rural communities, including 100 Mile House, she explains.

“It might not be talked about the same way or publicized the same way, but it still happens.

“[Take Back the Night] is showing no one is alone and everyone has to work together to fight against these kinds of things. Anyone facing violence by themselves is less likely to conquer it than they are with the whole town behind them.”

The 100 Mile House and District Women’s Centre, located inside the South Cariboo Business Centre at 475 Birch Ave., offers a variety of support services, including counselling, food hampers, hygiene products and a clothing drive.

“It is my hope this is just the beginning for 100 Mile House,” Bailey said before the march.

“That this walk represents our community supporting not only past and present victims, but helping to prevent future violence.

“Please don't stop after tonight. Look after each other and support each other every single day.”