Fourth Annual Take Back the Night — Silent No More

A Community of Women and Guardian Family Services invite you to participate in the Fourth Annual Take Back the Night scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 2011. This year they are taking from the long standing tradition of the Silent Witness Exhibits used to bring awareness to domestic violence. They have instituted SILENT NO MORE, an exhibit to bring awareness to sexual violence in all its forms – sexual assault, sexual abuse, dating violence and domestic violence.

The march begins at Guardian Family Services, 117 W. 10th St. at 6:30 p.m. and march from there to the courthouse where a candlelight ceremony and short program will be held and then return to the shelter. If you are unable to walk the 5 blocks, you can meet at the courthouse.

Photo from 2010 Take Back the Night March

Free standing life-size wooden figures will be placed throughout the Metropolis and Paducah area that have been created by local artists and groups. Each life-size figure will be designed without a mouth signifying a victim’s silence. Silence due to fear. Fear of retribution. Fear of not being believed. Fear of the stigma associated with sexual violence.

Each of you have the opportunity to be part of a movement. A beginning. A change. An awareness. You are being asked to step forward and show your support in making our streets and homes safe again.

Photo from 2010 Take Back the Night Candlelight Vigil

If you wish to take part, please contact Denese R. Peebles at 270.519.7988, Rita Gower at 618.645.6444, or Morgan Carr at 270.559.5928 for diagrams of figure cut-outs, ideas on materials, and further instructions.  You may also email them for more information.

All wooden figures will become the property of A Community of Women, Inc. and Guardian Family Services. Artists/designers/groups are encouraged to place their name or name of organization on the figure or included in the design so your participation in this exhibit can be acknowledged.