Texas A&M in Empowering Voices: ‘Take Back The Night’ Event Set for April 3rd
April is Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Month and in recognition, Texas A&M students, faculty and staff — and all who care about safety in our communities — are invited to gather at Aggie Park for “Take Back The Night.”
This awareness and solidarity event will be on Wednesday, April 3 from 6-8:30 p.m. on the War Hymn Lawn.
The event supports the goal of the nonprofit organization Take Back The Night Foundation, which works to end “all forms of sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, trafficking, stalking, gender harassment, and relationship violence, and to support survivors in their healing journeys.”
Dr. Denise Crisafi, Texas A&M Health Promotion coordinator, said the event is, “an opportunity for the 12th Man to stand and walk together, to resolve that Texas A&M can and must be a place where everyone is safe from sexual violence and does their part, as active bystanders, to realize this goal. We hope everyone can join us in beautiful Aggie Park to show solidarity and learn how each one of us can prevent violence and support survivors.”
The safety of the campus community is paramount, says Texas A&M Police Chief Mike Johnson, and Take Back the Night is a chance to show it. “This event provides us an opportunity to stand together, support survivors and proclaim that any type of violence in our community will not be tolerated,” he said. “Our department is committed to preventing violence and providing resources to those who are victims of violence. The Texas A&M University Police Department provides support to victims and helps navigate them though the criminal justice process. We want everyone to feel safe and supported, and know that together we can make a difference in the safety of our community.”
Event Highlights
Texas A&M recognized student organizations, along with campus and community resource providers, will have tables at Aggie Park to share information and provide opportunities to get involved. Visitors will receive a Take Back the Night passport/stamp card; once completed, it can be exchanged for free promotional items and food.
Additionally:
- Hear from keynote speaker Marcy Bartula, founder of the Different Day Foundation and activist against human trafficking in the Brazos Valley
- Be present for those who choose to express their allyship or survivorship through song, artworks, or personal narratives
- Participate in the solidarity walk through Aggie Park
- Donate where you can
- Make a poster
- Take a picture at the PhotoBoxx and share it on social media
The full event schedule and more information can be found at: tx.ag/TakeBackTheNight
Organizers And Sponsors
Take Back The Night at Texas A&M is organized by Health Promotion, along with the recognized student organizations Feminism 4 Aggies and SLIDE.
Thanks to the following local survivor support agencies for their participation in Take Back the Night: Sexual Assault Resource Center of Brazos Valley, Twin City Mission Domestic Violence Services, Unbound BCS, and Scotty’s House.