“Take Back the Night” demands end to sexual violence

An historic event returns to Eugene April 25 with the 34th annual Take Back the Night 2013, a free, public event seeking an end to sexual violence in the community.

Presented by the ASUO Women’s Center and Sexual Assault Support Services of Lane County, the event incorporates three parts to support those who have survived sexual violence: the Rally, March, and Speak Out.

Speakers include Maure Smith-Benanti, UO assistant director of LGBT Education and Support, and Patrick Lemmon, co-founder of nonprofit Men Can Stop Rape. After the rally, participants will take to the streets of Eugene and march united to the beat of Rhythm O, U of O’s newly independent drum line. Latin@ Youth Group Juventud Faceta will lead chants in English and Spanish.

The Speak Out will open with a spoken word performance by Andrea Valderrama and will continue with participants sharing their experiences dealing with sexual violence.

The event program and location information includes:

  • KVAL radio show – 4 p.m., UO's Erb Memorial Union (EMU) Amphitheater (E. 13th Avenue and University Street)
  • Community Tabling – 5 p.m., UO EMU Amphitheater
  • Rally – 6 p.m., UO EMU Amphitheater
  • March – 7 p.m., Cozmic Pizza (199 W 8th Ave.)
  • Speak Out – 8:30 p.m., Cozmic Pizza (The bar will be closed for the duration of the event)

Food and warm beverages will be provided first come, first serve at the Speak Out. Because the event is held mostly outdoors, participants are encouraged to dress warmly or bring a change of clothes.

The ASUO Women’s Center is a campus organization that advocates for the best educational and working environment for the women at the University of Oregon by working toward societal change and the end of oppression and supporting personal growth.

SASS is a non-profit organization that provides outreach, advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence and their partners, families and friends throughout Lane County, maintaining a 24-hour crisis and support line and 24-hour advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse.

-- by ASUO Women’s Center and Sexual Assault Support Services of Lane County