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Take Back the Night 2011

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By Bethany Reyna

TBTN march to JC Nichols Fountain (2010)

A 501 (c)3 charity since 2001, Take Back The Night is a mission to end sexual violence and to support survivors of sexual assault. Every year, the global community holds their own Take Back the Night rallies and marches to help raise awareness to end sexual violence. Women from Missouri to India feel unsafe walking anywhere at night, which is why Take Back the Night was established.

The first international Take Back the Night took place in Brussels, Belgium in 1976. At that time it was called the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women. Two thousand women representing over 40 countries attended the Tribunal. The first Take Back the Night in the United States occurred in Philadelphia in October 1975. Both events were candlelight processions through the streets of their respective cities.

This Wednesday, April 20th, marks the 7th annual Take Back the Night at UMKC, which corresponds with Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The event will begin at 6:30 with a pre-march rally in the UMKC quad. At 7:30 the march will begin, starting in the quad and departing to the JC Nichols fountain where we will have a speakout with several survivors of sexual violence. I encourage everyone to come out to this event. I went last year and not only was it fun, but taking control of our own safety was empowering. For more information stop by the Women’s Center in 105 Haag Hall, or email us at umkc-womens-center@umkc.edu.