Come 'Take Back the Night'

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The 12th annual Northwest Arkansas “Take Back the Night” march will be held Thursday, April 24. RESPECT (Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought), a peer education program of the STAR Central (Office of Support, Training, Advocacy, and Resources on Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence) of the department of wellness and health promotion at the Pat Walker Health Center, invites the community to attend and speak-out against sexual violence and sexual abuse. 

The theme of the event is the assertion that all human beings have the right to be free from sexual violence, the right to be heard, and the right to reclaim those rights if they are violated.  Thousands of “Take Back the Night” marches and rallies have taken place worldwide.

“Violence is a community issue,” said Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert, STAR Central director. “Take Back the Night” is designed to create awareness, to empower individuals and to inspire action that will foster community change and bring an end to [sexual] violence.”

Scheduled events for the Twelfth Annual “Take Back the Night” march include:

• 6:45 p.m. – Participants gather at the Fayetteville Square, Arvest Plaza
• 7 p.m. – Opening remarks
• 7:10 p.m. – March from the Fayetteville Square to the Old Main on campus by way of East Street, Dickson Street and across the UA campus
• 8 p.m. – Closing activities at Old Main on campus. Activities at Old Main include a proclamation by Mayor Lioneld Jordan, remarks by Kristen Jozkowski, assistant professor, community health promotion, a speak-out, a candlelight vigil, inspirational singing and more.

Commemorative “glow-in-the-dark” T-shirts are available ($10 per shirt) available at the Pat Walker Health Center while supplies last. Proceeds benefit campus rape awareness and prevention education.