Take Back the Night event starts at 5:30 p.m. at Plaza of the Americas

April 3, 2014

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Several University of Florida groups will present the annual Take Back the Night: A March and Rally to End Sexual Violence starting at 5:30 p.m. today, April 3, at the Plaza of the Americas.

The event kicks off  with remarks and poster-making.  At 6 p.m., participants will march on campus, meeting again at the Plaza of the Americas for an open microphone rally beginning at 7 p.m.

The event is part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and presented by STRIVE at GatorWell, Office of Victim Services, LGBT Affairs, and Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center.

For more than 30 years, universities have gathered for Take Back the Night events that support and empower survivors, raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual violence, and give voice to their desire to end sexual violence so that no one need live in fear. UF has a long tradition of sponsoring Take Back the Night Events.

Research shows that one in four college females and one in 20 males will be the victim of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault during their college years. At least 80 percent of all sexual assaults are committed by an acquaintance of the victim. These statistics only serve to highlight the importance of campuses and communities continuing come together to raise awareness about this serious issue. Through this event, every member of our campus community can be empowered to take responsibility for speaking out against and preventing sexual violence.