'Take Back The Night' For North Shore Sexual Assault Survivors In Beverly, Lynn and Salem

SALEM, MA — A series of "Take Back The Night" marches and speaking events across the North Shore to support and honor survivors of sex assault and abuse will include one in downtown Beverly on April 25 and one in Salem on April 27.

The events, which will also be held in Lynn and Gloucester, are part of the YWCA's North Shore Rape Crisis Center's Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming.

The Beverly event on April 25, held in collaboration with Endicott College and the Montserrat College of Art, will start at City Hall at 6 p.m. and proceed to The Cabot Theater for a speaking program at 6:30 that will include survivor stories, a spoken word performance and performance by the Endicott College Choir.

The Salem event on April 27, held in collaboration with the Salem Police Department, Salem State University and the North Shore Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth, will begin with a gathering at City Hall at 93 Washington Street, a march to Old Town Hall at 6:45 p.m. and a speaking program with refreshments at Old Town Hall at 7 p.m.

"The event is to bring awareness and honor survivors from all different perspectives," Brittny Maravelias, the YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center Coordinator of Survivor Services, told Patch on Tuesday. "We look at it as wanting survivors to know that they are not alone. We are trying to highlight hope and healing.

"Through all that turmoil, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and people can live healthy and happy lives even with having had these experiences."

This will be the fourth year of the "Take Back The Night" marches, which began in Lynn and moved to Salem last year.

Maravelias said there is no target age group for the programming, and that they are open to everyone, but that she expects the survivor stories will include raw and honest and references to sexual attacks, sexual abuse and its effects on the victim.

She told Patch the YWCA is still looking for speakers for the Salem event and that those interested can scan the QR code in the picture above or contact the North Shore Rape Crisis Center at bmaravelias@ywcanema.org.

She said those wishing to speak are asked to register in advance because it can be an emotional experience for those talking in public about the trauma impromptu.

Salem Police Victim Services Officer Max Zirin and Civilian Officer Alex Tejada have helped organize the event between SPD and the YWCA and Salem police cruisers have flown teal ribbons for Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout April.

The intent of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to engage in education and dialogue aimed at eradicating sexual violence.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)