By Grace Arneberg

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and on Friday, April 25 at 7 p.m., University of Wisconsin–Stout students will be collaborating with Bridge to Hope in order to take back the night. Take Back the Night is an event that originated in Philadelphia, Penn. in 1975 to protest the sexual violence women were faced with while walking on the streets alone at night. The event has since become recognized worldwide.

The event will include speakers, one of which is a survivor and male role model from Bridge to Hope. There will also be an open mic time, where anyone can share their story or speak about sexual assault as well as several resources on sexual violence awareness, education and prevention.

A candlelight vigil will begin at 9:30 p.m., and the participants will walk as a group from The Raw Deal to the UW–Stout clock tower to represent women feeling safe while walking at night.

This will be the ninth year that UW–Stout has participated in Take Back the Night.

“I have attended the event for the past two years and have felt the positive impact it has on the community,” said Amy Loberg, UW–Stout junior. “This year when I was given the opportunity to help run the event, I was extremely excited. It is a very moving event where survivors can speak out and the community can come together.”

Participants of the event are not limited to women.

“This event is not just for women; in fact, men are highly encouraged to attend and participate,” said Loberg. “Positive male role models are a major element in the solution to ending sexual assault. This event helps to empower both men and women.”

For more information about Take Back the Night, visit takebackthenight.org

For more information about Menomonie’s event, contact Student Project Manager Melissa Hesketh at 715-497-6277 or email her at heskethm0642@my.uwstout.edu

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