“Take Back the Night,” a rally uniting men and women against sexual violence, will be held Monday through Friday, Oct. 2-6, at Eastern Mennonite University.
The purpose of the annual program is to build greater awareness of issues related to sexual violence, to provide safe settings to talk about the problem and to provide help to victims of sexual harassment and violence, according to student organizer Kathryn J. (Katie) Chaffinch, an EMU senior social work major from Greenwood, Del.
Throughout the week, “The Clothesline Project” in the EMU Campus Center will provide opportunity for artistic expressions of brokenness, healing, anger and hope regarding sexual violence by providing persons with t-shirts and supplies to paint them. The shirts will be displayed in the Campus Center all week.
A film, “Searching for Angela Shelton,” will be shown 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 2 in the Common Grounds Coffeehouse in the University Commons.
Filmmaker Angela Shelton journeys across the United States in an effort to survey women in America. She discovers that 25 of the 40 other Angela Sheltons have been raped, beaten or molested. This film is her journey of self-discovery, activism and healing. A discussion facilitated by a representative from CASA (Citizens Against Sexual Assault) will follow the showing.
Local Author Speaks
Lee M. Van Orden, author and encourager from Harrisonburg, will speak in a university chapel 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 in Lehman Auditorium. She will tell her story of childhood sexual abuse, finding healing through a relationship with Christ and the power of a supportive community.
At a “Take Back the Night” coffeehouse 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, students will share music, experiences and readings on sexual violence, followed by a concert by Sattaskys, a local reggae group.
Counselors will be available at most sessions during the week.
Admission is free to all events.
For more information, call the EMU department of social work and applied sociology at 540-432-4453.