NORWICH – Last year, Catholic Charities of Chenango County decided to hold its first Take Back the Night rally to recognize the issue of violence against women and to take a stand against it. This Thursday will mark the return of the event.

The roots of Take Back the Night rallies go back to 1877, when women protested the fear and violence they experienced on the streets of London. The first rally was held in 1976, and by 1978, the event had made it to the United States.

Today, Take Back the Night rallies are held in communities internationally, and most offer victims of sexual assault a chance to talk about their experience. “It gives people the chance to publicly affirm the transition from victim to survivor,” said Rape Crisis Counselor Beth Neuland of Catholic Charities.

From last year to this year, Neuland explained, Catholic Charities has tried to build up public support for this year’s event, including the support of students at Morrisville State’s Norwich campus, where the event occurs. “We’re looking for public support. We want this event to grow. We’d like to see more participation from the student body and the community at large,” Neuland said. Approximately 30 people attended last year’s event.