MEDIA ADVISORY: Students Mobilize to Prevent Sexual Violence

Voices Against Violence (VAV), a program of the Counseling and Mental Health Center in the Division of Student Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, will host “Take Back the Night,” an annual survivor focused event, on April 8 as part of Sexual Violence Prevention Month.

Sexual Violence Prevention Month is a comprehensive series of events to educate the campus community about how to prevent sexual violence and support survivors.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Main Mall, The University of Texas at Austin

We request any video or photography be limited to the first hour of this event out of respect for survivor identities.

BACKGROUND: “Take Back the Night” is a gender-inclusive event including performances, an interactive art installation, a resource fair and an open-mic for survivors of sexual violence to share their stories.

Other programs during Sexual Violence Prevention Month include:

• Interrupting Rape Culture: A Student-Led Workshop: Interactive BeVocal bystander intervention workshop April 14 and 16 to discuss how everyday language can either contribute to or prevent rape culture.
• Pizza Rolls, Not Gender Roles: Modeled after the popular MTV shows “Guy Code” and “Girl Code,” join VAV on April 21 as we discuss masculinity and feminism with our panel of comedians all while enjoying hot, delicious pizza rolls. Co-sponsored by the Gender and Sexuality Center.
• Get Sexy. Get Consent: A highly interactive VAV Theatre for Dialogue performance on April 24 examines how we negotiate sex, consent, boundaries and safety.
• I Like, LIKE You Exploring Relationships: Interactive Theatre for Dialogue performances on April 26 and 28 examine hook-ups, break-ups, conflict and communication in romantic relationships.

For more information, a full list of participating organizations and a schedule of activities, visit Voices Against Violence. All events are free and open to the public.