KNOXVILLE – A march across campus, a speak-out session and a candlelight vigil will highlight Take Back the Night, an annual sexual assault awareness event at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29.
The evening will begin with a march starting at the Pedestrian Walkway on the UT campus and ending at the University Center Ballroom. The evening will continue with speakers, a speak-out session where those who have been affected by sexual assault or domestic violence may talk about their pain or frustration and a candlelight vigil.
Take Back the Night is an evening dedicated to raising awareness and educating both the Knoxville and UT communities about violence against women and sexual assault, while creating a supportive environment for expression and empowerment. Campus resources as well as those from the Knoxville community will be available to provide assistance and information during the event.
Take Back the Night is free and open to the public. The event is sponsored by the Women’s Coordinating Council, which presents programs on issues related to women including health, gender and sexuality, body image, and leadership development.
In conjunction with Take Back the Night, the Clothesline Project will be displayed on the University Center Plaza from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, Oct. 27 – 29. The Clothesline Project is a display of T-shirts decorated by victims of violence.
Members of the community are encouraged to bring new clothing and toiletry items to donate to Safe Haven, a local crisis and recovery center for victims of sexual assault.
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C O N T A C T :
Rebekah Winkler, UT Media Relations (865-974-8304, rwinkler@utk.edu)
Kate Humphrey, Women’s Coordinating Council (865-974-1024, khumphr3@utk.edu)