Take Back The Night | Video

Joel Porter | 10/1/2012

Even though you won`t hear them, their message is loud and clear. This evening, people in Bismarck are rallying to put an end to domestic violence. The Abused Adult Resource Center is organizing the silent protest. Take Back the Night is now in its 20th year, and although the support grows, the need for services is also rising.

AARC staff say the night is typically an unsafe time for women and children. That`s why they`re marching in silence to show victims they don`t have to live in fear.

A common misconception is that violent crimes like rape or assault only happen in major cities like Chicago or New York, but advocates this evening say people in North Dakota are just as much at risk.

"The first year this program ran, there were like 17 victims that reached out for help. And last year, we had 1,165 women and men that have come asking for services," said AARC Executive Director Diane Zainhofsky.

This evening`s program at McCabe United Methodist Church is open to the public. Anyone with a story to share is welcome to step up to the microphone in a room full of supporters.

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