Take Back the Night rally and march starts on campus April 30

The UO’s EMU amphitheater will once again serve as the launching point for the 37th annual Take Back the Night protest march, an annual international event that draws attention to the realities of sexual violence.

The rally begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 30, and marchers will leave the amphitheater at 7 p.m. They will then march to downtown Eugene, gathering at the Atrium Building at the corner of 10th Avenue and Olive Street for a speak-out featuring survivors of sexual assault.

Take Back the Night is a free event open to all. SafeRide will provide transportation back to campus or home from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Because sexual violence crosses so many boundaries and affects so many lives in multiple ways, the theme of this year’s march is “Intersectionality.” The rally and speak-out will offer a chance for survivors to talk about the damage done by sexual violence and for members of the community to support them and the right to live a life free from sexual violence.

Guest speaker Jackie Sandmeyer of the Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force will be on hand to address the gathering. Sandmeyer is a training specialist for the task force and self-identified queer person of color.

The rally will include other speakers and performers, including the UO’s Sexual Wellness Advocacy Team. Members of Rhythm O, the drumline of the UO Marching Band, will accompany the marchers.

An open signup for survivors who wish to share their experiences will be available at the speak-out. The rally and march wrap up a series of events staged on campus and around the community to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Take Back the Night is a collaborative effort of the ASUO Women’s Center and Sexual Assault Support Services. The event is wheelchair accessible, and Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation will be provided.