“Take Back the Night,” a rally uniting men and women against sexual violence, will be held on campus Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 4-6.
The seventh annual program “will seek to build greater awareness of issues related to sexual violence, to provide safe settings for men and women to talk about the problem and to provide help to victims of sexual harassment and violence,” said EMU student organizer Valerie L. Showalter.
Activities will begin with a chapel presentation, “Shining a Light in the Shadows: How Man Can Be Allies,” 10 a.m. Monday in Lehman Auditorium by David Rider from Men Can Stop Rape.
Other events include:
- An open-mike session 8-10 p.m. Monday at the Common Grounds Coffeehouse in the University Commons for persons to share poetry, songs and stories related to their experience with sexual assault. Bagels and beverages will be provided.
- A self-defense class presented by CASA (Citizens Against Sexual Assault) 9 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 5), location to be announced.
- A presentation and panel discussion on sexual violence issues by CASA team members, health professionals and associate campus pastor Julie Haushalter 7 p.m. Tuesday in room 211-212 of the University Commons.
- “Red Shirt Day” Wednesday (Oct. 6), symbolizing the one in four women who have been sexually assaulted by age 18.
- Professional counselors will be available at most sessions.
For more information, contact Valerie Showalter at (540) 437-6476; e-mail: valerie.showalter@emu.edu.