Did you know that male college students, ages 18-24, are 5x more likely to be affected by sexual violence than non-students in that same age range? Or that 9 in 10 college women who are victims of rape or sexual assault know their offender? Sexual violence is an ongoing issue on college campuses around the world, and it is time we take action. We ask you to join us to take back the night.

What is Take Back the Night Foundation? 

Take Back the Night (TBTN) is a foundation created in 1960 that is takes a stand against sexual violence by hosting events and peaceful rallies around the world. Take Back the Night Foundation’s mission is “…to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence. We serve to create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives.”

TBTN has hosted events in over 36 countries and 800 communities. Over 30 million people have been exposed to their message and commitment to end sexual violence. You can find more information on TBTN here. 

Missouri State’s Part 

From 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, the Title IX Commission of the Student Government Association will be hosting a TBTN rally to involve students in the discussion. The goal is to address how we can be proactive in preventing sexual violence. This event is the kickoff for Stop the Silence, which will happen in Spring 2018.

Jenay Lamy, Missouri State Green Dot Program Coordinator, will be speaking on what Green Dot is and how students can become more involved. Another guest speaker, Emma Wessel, It’s On Us Coordinator and Missouri State GA, will be sharing what we can do to prevent sexual violence. 

More Information and Ways to Get Involved 

This event is open to all Missouri State students and students in the Springfield area. Missouri State Green Dot and It’s On Us are supporting this event and will have information tables at the rally for attendees to learn more about the organizations. 

Next Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. the Take Back the Night Foundation President will be speaking in the PSU Theater. This is a great event to learn more about TBTN and sexual violence prevention. Also, there are still some spots open for the FREE Green Dot Bystander Training on Oct. 10, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., you can register here.

 

Sources:

https://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence

https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/182369.pdf