Thursday was the 18th international event designed to spread the message that women and children have the right to live without violence.

The march, organized by Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS), is just for children and women -- providing them with the freedom to walk safely at night without having to ask along a male family member or friend.

It's hard to imagine that after all this time we still need to plan for such events. But when you consider that 51 per cent of Canadian women will experience at least one incident of sexual or physical violence in their lifetime then you can understand why SAVIS knows its work is never done.

In fact, Halton police recently released its mid-year statistical report on crime and sexual assault has increased while other violent crime is decreasing.

According to Halton police, there were 50 sex assaults in 2007 compared to 59 during the same time frame this year.

Sadly, Take Back the Night is needed more than ever.