ABOUT TAKE BACK THE NIGHT

Our Mission

Our global mission as a charitable 501(c)(3) Foundation is to end sexual violence in all forms, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, trafficking, stalking, gender harassment, and relationship violence, and to support survivors in their healing journeys. We foster safe communities through international events and initiatives. Take Back The Night Events unite people from every background, belief, and culture around the world to take a visible and vocal stand.

Our History

Take Back The Night is the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence in all forms. TBTN began in the 1970s with a Tribunal Council meeting in Belgium attended by 2000+ women representing 40+ countries. Our earliest activists protested the lack of safety for women, whether walking down the street alone at night. In 1973, in the United States, a group of women at the University of Southern Florida dressed in black sheets, held broomsticks, and marched through campus demanding a women’s center. In 1975, a large crowd in Philadelphia staged a Take Back The Night Event to protest the murder of a microbiologist walking home after work. In the 70s, San Francisco had a number of rallies in protest of “snuff” pornography and violence against women.

These early protests sparked thousands of events on college campuses and in global communities of all sizes — from remote Canadian towns to bustling Calcutta streets, from Ivy Leagues to military bases. Each working to end sexual violence and support victims. We continue to increase our impact and add more communities, and TBTN now reaches millions of people each year!

The Foundation

In 2001, Katie Koestner, the first woman in the US to speak out nationally and publicly on being the victim of “date” rape (as opposed to “stranger” rape), invited event organizers and participants in the US and globally to unite in our efforts and document our history. We sought to bring the creative energy and passionate activism of Take Back The Night to more communities. In establishing TBTNF, we’ve connected our grassroot origins to share our collective vision and empower each Event holder. Today, our Board Members, volunteers, fans, Chapter members, sponsors, supporters, and donors work tirelessly to continue our mission.

History of Our Name

Our name “Take Back The Night” honors the historic 1970s stand of those who first advocated for the essential right of women to walk alone at night without fear of being raped, harassed, or otherwise harmed. Today, we recognize sexual violence and harassment happen at any time, in any place, to anyone. However, we have kept our original name intact to carry on the bold and daring spirit of those who paved the way.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

We continue to march forward into the future, committed to ending sexual violence for all people of all sexual and gender identities, races, ethnicities, nationalities, religious beliefs, ages, abilities, and statuses. The work of TBTN thrives from the vibrant and varied perspectives of our event holders, participants, volunteers, board, and supporters. Take Back The Night welcomes all who will walk, stand, speak, chant, and rally with us until sexual violence is no more.

Take Back The Night Events