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Marchers 'Take Back the Night' against domestic violence

As they do every year, women march through the streets together symbolically taking back their homes and lives from violence and fear.

TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - The Clothesline Project is made up of 500 T-shirts created by local survivors of violence against women.

It's all part of the 20th annual 'Take Back the Night' event on Saturday at the University of Toledo Scott Park campus.

As they do every year, women march through the streets together symbolically taking back their homes and lives from violence and fear.

"We are providing an educational and awareness program for people who may not be familiar with domestic violence or violence against women and provide a healing space for survivors to come together," said Lauren Merrell, one of the organizers of 'Take Back the Night'.

There are other reminders of violence against women on this night, such as the Silent Witness Project.

Each human cardboard cut-out represents a victim.

Kelly Phillips can relate.

"I was sexually assaulted several times throughout my life," said Ms. Phillips.

But Ms. Phillips is a survivor.

She's now an advocate for victims of sexual violence.

"Just have faith. Things can get better. The most important thing I would tell any survivor is that no matter what happened, it's not your fault," said Ms. Phillips.

Also offering help at the event was the YWCA HOPE Center.

That stands for Help Options for People Experiencing Violence.

Legal and advocacy services were also available.

"Everyone takes their own pace in terms of healing. So it's important to be patient with yourself and talk to someone you can trust about it. Talk is the first step," said Keri Ketring of YWCA HOPE.

Organizers of 'Take Back the Night' say violence against women continues to grow.

They hope their chants for change while marching around the UT campus will make a difference.

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