Everyone, Take Back the Night

One in three women and one in six men worldwide experience some form of sexual violence. Less than 50 percent of victims report these crimes.

Take Back the Night is the almost 40 year-old organization/event trying to put an end to the silence.

Their mission statement is: “We seek to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence.”

The Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC) at UMD is just one local organization bringing that mission to campus.

“It’s an organized event to bring awareness to the community about sexual violence and to help spread that awareness,” WRAC intern Maria Miller said.

The two-hour event begins in the UMD Rafters and includes a resource fair, rally, march and speak-out where people can spread their words through poetry or other writings.

“Even if you’re not as involved, it’s neat to come and watch other people and feel their energy,” Miller said. “(To) feel like you’re involved in something bigger than yourself.”

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday Oct. 5.