UTICA — The YWCA Mohawk Valley will hold its annual Take Back the Night march and candlelight vigil in Utica on Thursday evening.

The event will start at 6 p.m. at the Utica Public Library at 303 Genesee St., officials said. Take Back the Night will feature a march, a rally, a candlelight vigil and a speak-out session.

Take Back the Night is a free event and is open the public.

Participants are invited to craft and bring their own march signs, and YWCA Mohawk Valley advocates will be on hand to offer support and lead the march. CEO Dianne Stancato will open the event with a brief speech.

The speak out portion of the night, where survivors are encouraged to share their stories in a safe setting, will be completely confidential, officials said.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Thursday is National Wear Purple Day in recognition.