On Wednesday, April 13, the Violence Against Women Prevention Program (VAWPP) hosted their annual Take Back the Night event in the Student Union Ballroom. This event takes place every April in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month. It helps promote the awareness of gender-based violence that affects the members who are a part of our community. Gender-based violence is a term used to show the idea that violence is used to maintain gender inequities. This includes rape, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sex trafficking, and sexual harassment. These acts are periodically against women or individuals whose gender challenges the normal stereotypes. This event also promotes survivor empowerment and healing. The theme for this year’s event was “We Rise.” T-shirts with the image of a phoenix portray the rebirth people can experience after traumatic events. After, there was a march around campus followed by a “speak out”, where survivors could tell their stories in a safe space.
T-shirts from their Clothes Line Project were also featured.
During the event, several groups performed including new group on campus; UConn’s Praise Dance Ministry and the a capella group Drop the Bass. UConn’s Chief Diversity Officer Joelle Murchison gave the opening remarks. Students from the VAWPP class and the Men’s Project spoke as well.
Send us your photos from Take Back the Night on Twitter @UConnHC!