Take Back the Night

Mission of Ann Arbor Coalition Against Rape

Mission Statement:

The Ann Arbor Take Back the Night march and rally is an opportunity to speak out against all forms of sexualized violence in our community. The goals of this event are to:

Provide an environment of support and healing wherein survivors are empowered to express their experiences

To raise awareness of the ways sexualized violence is a force of oppression used to perpetuate racism, sexism, etc.

To build a network of individuals committed to creating a community free of sexualized violence.

Guiding Principles:

AACAR condemns all forms of sexualized violence, including rape and sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, sexual harasment, and childhood sexual abuse.

We recognize that Sexualized violence occurs between strangers, acquaintances, partners, family, friends, lovers, and spouses.

We recognize that sexualized violence is perpetrated against individuals, regardless of race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability, ethnicity, appearance. Sexualized violence is primarily committed by men against women, but we also affirm the reality that some men are survivors, some women are perpetrators, and there is violence in LGBT relationships.

History of Take Back the Night:

In 1978, Women Against Violence in Pornography and Media organized a national conference in San Francisco. In conjunction with this conference a Take Back the Night March was conducted through San Francisco's pornography district. Over 5,00 women marched to protest the sexual victimization of women. That same year, Ann Arbor began it's own Take Back the Night (TBTN) March and Rally.

In 1981, the committee organizing the 3rd annual TBTN (the march was not held one year) named itself the Ann Arbor Coalition Against Rape (AACAR). Every year AACAR is reformed by women and men who live in the greater Ann Arbor - Ypsilanti area and students attending the University of Michigan.

AACAR believes that rape and other forms of sexualized violence must be a community issue. Although TBTN initially began as a march to protest the sexual victimization of women, TBTN in Ann Arbor and across the country has evolved into a movement that has recognized the connection between the sexual assault of women and other forms of violence and oppression. Throughout history, sexualized violence has been a tool to oppress, control, and terrorize women, children, and other targeted populations because of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identification, spiritual beliefs or political affiliation.

AACAR recognizes that sexualized violence is primarily committed by men against women; however, we also affirm the reality that some men are survivors, some women are perpetrators, and there is violence in lesbian, gay, and transgender relationships. As such, the Ann Arbor march is open to anyone who has experienced sexual victimization, their loved ones, and supporters who wish to add their voices in our demonstration.