“Take Back The Night” Rally To Be Held In Herkimer

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the YWCA Mohawk Valley is hosting its annual "Take Back the Night" rally at Myers Park in Herkimer.

The event begins Thursday evening at six, and includes a march through the village, a speak-out session and candlelight vigil. Also on display is the YWCA's Clothesline Project, to promote the issue of violence against women

Kelly Conroy is Assistant Director of Nonresidential Crisis Services for the YWCA.

"The real impact that has is that it decreases the sense of isolation that a lot of people feel, where they feel that it's only happened to them or they're one of the very few people in this area that have been sexually assaulted or sexually abused," Conroy said.

She also says the event provides those impacted by violence an opportunity to speak out.

"Through the march, it;s just an opportunity for people to feel empowered, [and] to make the streets feel safer," Conroy said.

Last year, nearly 650 people were assisted by the YWCA Herkimer County program, including close to 300 children. More than 2,800 people received assistance in Oneida County through the YWCA.

For more information regarding the event, call the YWCA's Sexual Violence Services and Child Advocacy Center of Herkimer County at (315) 866-0748.