The event entitled, Take Back the Night, included more than 30 participants who gathered to peacefully march along the streets of Singapore and take back the fear that is surrounded by the belief that violence is perpetrated by strangers in the night. 

According to Tara Bennett, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Civilian Victim Advocate, Family Service Office, Navy Region Singapore, “Take Back the Night” events have taken place since the 1970s and were in response to a series of crimes against women. Since then, the event has evolved to bring awareness and support to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

“The premise of Take Back the Night is that women have been taught to fear the night,” Bennett said. “This notion places the blame of being assaulted on the victims because it implies that if the victims had not been out at night, they would not have been assaulted. In addition, it ignores the fact that most people are assaulted by people they know.”

According to Bennett, three out of four rapes are perpetrated by people known to the victim while domestic violence occurs between intimate partners. Meanwhile, community involvement is a key factor in raising awareness and for the Family Service Office of NRCS, events such as Take Back the Night offers the best opportunities to combat sexual assault and domestic violence. 

“This is an important event for our community because we want to promote awareness in order to reduce stigma and empower people to seek support if they need it,” Bennett said. “Also, we want this to provide solace and support to those whose lives have been touched by domestic violence and sexual assault.”

As the sun set in front of the Region’s Children and Youth Programs building, the group gathered to listen to Rear Admiral Don Gabrielson, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (CLWP), and Commander, Task Force 73 (CTF 73), as he shared his thoughts about the importance of taking back the night.

"Everyone deserves to be safe in their neighborhood,” Gabrielson said. “These events symbolize the importance of taking care of each other and creating a culture and environment where no one has to worry as they walk. Safety is everyone's business - we can't take it for granted. I want to thank everyone involved for doing their part to raise awareness and contribute to making a positive difference in our community."

Immediately after his speech the participants walked through the military housing community. Each person wore a glow stick with the attached names of victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. The group ended their stroll at the Region’s community facility, the Terror Club, for dinner and to light lanterns as a symbolic gesture of giving hope and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

As individuals entered the Terror Club, a witness gallery was displayed that featured testimonials of several military service members domestic abuse and sexual assault experiences.

For one service member participating in the event, this was an impactful night.

“I participated because I feel strongly about the victims around the world who are suffering,” Said Chief Petty Officer Erik Estrada, Administrative Leading Chief Petty Officer for CLWP. “More importantly, tonight’s event symbolizes giving empowerment to those silent victims in the community and throughout the world.”

Lastly, Bennett emphasized that this is important not only for the Navy as a whole but for the local population here in Sembawang, Singapore.
“Our message to the Sembawang community is to promote awareness of the resources available to everyone here, including supports on our installation and referrals to resources out in the community,” Bennet said. “We want to promote an environment that creates open and honest discussion, enhances safety, and supports healing.”