The Women’s Resource Center will hold “Take Back the Night” Oct. 1 at Lynn Eusan Park.
Three sexual assault survivors will share their stories, a spoken word piece will be presented, and an interactive portion of myths and facts of sexual assault will also be conducted, where the audience can participate. The audience will rally together and march around a small portion of the campus. The event will conclude with a candle vigil and another sexual assault survivor will share her story.
In collaboration with other campus organizations such as the Student Program Board and the Health and Wellness Center, the event will begin with tabling and resources. Other organizations to be featured are the LGBT Resource Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, Fort Bend County Shelter and the Houston Area Women’s Center.
In addition, WRC Program Coordinator Malkia Hutchinson said they will be issuing out punch cards. Once the student receives three stamps on the cards and write their email address, they will be able to receive a free t-shirt when they turn the card in.
In the light of the most recent on-campus sexual assault, Hutchinson said the WRC will be promoting the event more in the coming days.
“I’m hoping it’s really visible for people and that it resonates with them with what’s going on and that it’s a pressing issue for a lot of college campuses, and particularly here,” Hutchinson said. “In the media, we’ve heard a lot about domestic violence and sexual assaults on college campuses, and colleges not being responsive and things of that nature so I think it’s very topical and I think people are concerned and want to come out and do something to show solidarity and speak out for safe spaces on campus.”
“Take Back the Night” is a national organization that originally began in Europe and migrated to the United States in the 1960s. The event will begin at 7 p.m. For more information or to volunteer, visit uh.edu/wrc or email [email protected].
