For the first time ever, Superior held a “Take Back the Night” event, a way to raise awareness of the issue of sexual violence.

“Take Back the Nights have been happening since the 1970s, and it started out with women from several countries coming together and forming this really amazing bond and empowerment between women to take back the night from sexual assault and violence.” said Mikinzie Schilling, whose business, KindredHeart, hosted the event.

“Helping people is huge on my heart. And so I want to continue being able to work with non-profits like this, really team up and figure something out to get us all together and get the community involved.”

Around her store various paintings, crafts and jewelry were for sale – with proceeds benefitting CASDA– the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse.

“We provide supportive services to victims and survivors of domestic, sexual, and child abuse. We do advocacy, safety planning, help them find resources, help with resources.” said Christine, CASDA’s Sexual Assault Program Coordinator

Other groups and non-profits were at the event as well to speak with visitors, including PAVSA – the Program to Aid Victims of Sexual Assault. Loni Stallsmith, who works for PAVSA as a advocacy coordinator, says events like these can help highlight an issue that some might have difficulty have discussing.

“It means trying to bring more awareness to the sexual assault and abuse that goes on. That is kind of like, you know, pushed under the covers. So that we as women don’t have to endure it anymore. And we can essentially, like the name says, take back the night and reclaim that space is ours.” Stallsmith said.

The event also included a march around the streets of Superior, with advocates calling for action. And as communities continue to fight against sexual violence, Mikinzie says Take Back the Night events work to bring the community together in a positive way, despite the seriousness of the issue.

“We’re adding all of that love and empowerment to this situation, which is a really, really hard topic to talk about. And we’re adding that safety element of you can talk about it here, you can deal with it here.”

Both PAVSA and CASDA offer 24-hour helplines for those experiencing abuse.

PAVSA: 218-726-1931 CASDA: 800-649-2921