Contact:

Christina Brown
Public Relations
browncx@dukes.jmu.edu
203-321-5575

Ann Simmons
Marketing and Programming Coordinator
simmonae@jmu.edu
540-568-3503

Take Back the Night

HARRISONBURG, VA 7 April 2015 It should be taken seriously when one person
asserts him or herself and says no when in an uncomfortable situation. No one
should be afraid to speak up after a traumatic event. Sexual violence is not a topic to
be taken lightly.

Take Back the Night is an annual event held to support survivors of sexual

violence. While 1 in 3 sexual violence victims are women, it can also happen to men.
About 1 in 6 men are victims of sexual assault and in two-thirds of the situations, the
person responsible knows the victim. The purpose of Take Back the Night is to
educate people about sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence.
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The night will begin with student performances at 6 p.m. such as a cappella

groups and poetry readings. Following is the keynote speaker is Wagatwe Sara
Wanjuki, an activist, feminist, writer, and social media
strategist. A student speak-out will be held following
Wanjukis speech to give a voice to the voiceless and
increase awareness of the issue. Members of the audience
have the opportunity to speak up about an experience
Take Back the Night Logo

related to sexual violence that is prevalent in their lives.

The night will conclude with a lovely candlelight vigil honoring those who have felt
silenced due to their experience with sexual assault throughout campus.

Leah Fisher is the social media coordinator for Take Back the Night and has

been posting facts and promoting the event throughout the past month. I didnt
know about it until this year, but I think its really important for everyone to be
aware of, Fisher says, especially on college campuses. Before the event, an
impactful experience will occur to help spread awareness.

The Clothesline Project is a visual display that bears witness to sexual assault

and intimate partner violence. Local community members, JMU faculty and students
will have the opportunity April 6-8 in the Madison Union Ballroom to show support
for this amazing cause. Everyone is welcome to write messages on t-shirts that
portray their experiences with intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or sexual
victimization and help raise more awareness.

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The event is completely silent in order to give the respect the survivors

deserve but are not given often enough. T-shirts may also be written on for those
who may know a survivor and is suffering from the aftermath of the situation. It
gives students a chance to get their voice out there while preserving their identity if
they choose to remain anonymous.

It is important for survivors to know of the many helplines that are available

to them. Through JMUs Health Center, C.A.R.E (Campus Assault ResponsE) is a large
resource that can be reached 24/7 at 540-568-6411. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest
National Network (RAINN) is also a great resource for anyone and can be reached at
1-800-656-4673. It is important for people to know there are others out there who
can be their voice if they feel they dont have one.

University Health Center partnered with C.A.R.E. and had a free screening of

the new documentary It Happened Here earlier this semester. This powerful
movie featured five women who had been sexually assaulted on their college
campus. It is a time for the survivors to have a voice. Nearly 68 percent of all sexual
assaults are not reported to police and it is essential to have this number decrease
and have more cases called in.

Fisher eventually wants to work with sexual assault survivors for her career.

Although she has no personal connection to sexual violence, all it took was one
lecture to inspire her to work with survivors. One girl said to me, Nine years of
sexual abuse does not define me. This struck me because you have no idea what
people have been through, Fisher remarks.
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She is passionate about sexual violence and wants to continue spreading

awareness after the event is over through C.A.R.E. as a hotline volunteer. The most
important thing for survivors to know is that they are not alone, Fisher
sympathizes. People are too scared to report it but when you see people that do
report it, it happens to more people than you think.

Sexual violence has gained national recognition although sex is supposed to

be a beautiful thing and society as destroyed that. Consent is a sober, enthusiastic,

verbal yes to having sex and just because someone had consented in the past, does
not mean they are ready in the future, nor do they have to. Creating awareness and
remembering the basics are steps we can all take to take back the night.
The Take Back the Night Foundation is determined to create safe
communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives.
The event at JMU is increasing the spread of knowledge to more college-aged
students in an effort to stop sexual violence. The main goal is to end sexual assault,
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual
violence. Shatter the silence. Stop the violence.
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About University Health Center
James Madison Universitys Health Center offers services for all student and faculty
members free of charge. Programs and services are available for everyone and are
located in the Student Success Center and can be reached at 540-568-6178.