This years Take Back the Night will take place in the Putt-Delaney Courtyard from 8 to 10 PM on Wednesday, April 12th.
For those that don’t know what Take Back the Night is, it’s an international event and non-profit organization that advocates against sexual violence and stands with the survivors of assault. The overall mission is to eliminate sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse, all forms of sexual violence (TakeBackTheNight.org). The events take place in over 30 countries world wide, and include events like marches, rallies, vigils, and speak-outs.
IUP’s Take Back the Night starts with a gathering in the Putt-Delaney Courtyard, where students can grab posters and candles, get body tattoo’s, and grab their annual TBTN t-shirt. T-shirt distribution begins at 7:15, so get there early if you can! There are usually a few speakers who talk to the crowd before moving onto the march. Next, the students grab their signs and candles and march through campus to the HUB Ohio Room. Students can either choose to stop here and listen to the speak-out, or they can continue to keep marching through campus.
The speak-out is the most emotional and triggering part of the event. This is the part where victims of assault speak out and tell their stories. It is a very emotional time for both the victim and the audience listening, but they are survivors and they are stronger than ever for sharing their stories. Please be reminded that the speak-out is confidential, so please refrain from taking photographs in order to protect their privacy.
I hope you all participate in Take Back the Night and help contribute to the elimination of violence against women. If you have any questions, please visit this link. And lastly, if you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, feel free to visit the following websites below.