Voices Against Violence (VAV), a University of Texas at Austin Counseling and Mental Health Center program that celebrated its 10th anniversary last fall, is proud to announce the ninth annual Take Back the Night event that commemorates and celebrates survivors of sexual violence.
It will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2012 beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the Main Mall of campus.
Take Back the Night is a public event that welcomes the local community to attend and participate. It brings together university community members committed to building a safer campus.
Nationally, 35 of every 1,000 female college students are survivors of rape or attempted rape.
Voices Against Violence additionally honors lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBTQ) and male survivors of sexual violence in their services and programming. Take Back the Night summons power and strength across gender lines to confront sexual violence. Take Back the Night is an interactive event that provides a safe space for survivors and allies to express themselves and connect with support.
Participants will gather on the Main Mall for free food, T-shirts and resources from campus and community organizations. The event will kick off with performances by campus and community members and an interactive candlelight vigil. An open microphone speak-out from 8 to 9:30 p.m. will be held for participants to share their voices and experiences.
Take Back the Night is part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month events, including interactive theater performances and an art installation, “Exposing the Unmentionables.” To view more details about all related events, please visit the Voices Against Violence online calendar.
Voices Against Violence addresses issues of sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. VAV offers individual and group counseling and advocacy for survivors and allies regardless of where the violence occurred to current University of Texas students. VAV also provides prevention and outreach programming. To learn more about VAV, visit the website.
