Take Back the Night takes aim at abuse

Northwest Missouri State University’s Coalition Against Violence will host the second annual Take Back the Night rally at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, in College Park.

The program will feature speakers sharing experiences and insights in connection with the struggle to end sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Representatives from various campus and community organizations will be on hand to discuss resources and services available to survivors.

Those attending are to take part in a march around the Northwest campus staged as a protest against relationship violence and bias-motivated crimes. Refreshments will be served afterward in the J.W. Jones Student Union.

"Take Back the Night is such a powerful way to let our community and our world know that we will not stand for violence of any kind," said Katelyn Stoewsand, who serves as coalition co-president.

"It is so important that we work to prevent violence and to empower survivors, and Take Back the Night does just that. If you participate in this event, you are truly making a significant impact in the lives of many people. This is a great way to give back to your community and make a difference."

The Take Back the Night Foundation is a national non-profit group that grew from an initiative founded in 1975 to combat sexual violence and abuse on college campuses and elsewhere.

Similar rallies all over the country have the stated aim of empowering survivors and encouraging the creation of safe communities and respectful relationships.

Foundation statistics claim that one out of every three women in the United States will be beaten or abused at some point in their lives.

Nationwide, organization officials state, 32 percent of students report dating violence by a previous partner, and 21 percent report violence by a current partner.

For more information about the local Take Back the Night event, email Stoewsand at s515008@mail.nwmissouri.edu. The national organization's website is located at www.takebackthenight.org.