TAKE BACK THE NIGHT

10th Year Anniversary of TBTN @ EMU:

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010 - 6:00 PM - Student Center Ballroom B

“It takes two people to speak the truth: One to speak and another to hear.”

- Henry David Thoreau -

Take Back the Night is an annual march/rally/speak-out against violence against women!

This event is celebrated by women, children, and men all over the world. Each and every Take Back the Night event is different and everyone celebrates in different ways. Over the last 9 years we have gone through many changes in the format of TBTN, but its purpose has never changed...

We present this event to show support for the AWARENESS, PREVENTION, and ELIMINATION of violence against women.

PART 1:

This is a night for survivor's of sexual and domestic violence. During the first half of the evening survivors have an opportunity to tell their story in their own words to a room full of other survivors and supporters of survivors.

PART 2:

The march/rally portion of Take Back the Night is intended to empower survivors to RECLAIM THEIR NIGHT. Carry signs, chant, and march through campus with us - join the cause to end violence against women!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are men allowed?

Men are absolutely allowed to come and show their support in any way that they can! There are some men who are survivors of sexual and domestic violence as well and we cannot silence them by not allowing them to come. Further, sexual and domestic violence are SOCIAL PROBLEMS - they are not men's problems, they are not women's problems. Men and women must combat violence together - it is the only way we can eliminate violence in our society!

I am not an EMU student - can I still go to Take Back the Night?

We welcome EVERYONE - all students, staff, faculty, and community members (no matter what community you come from). We've had people travel from different parts of Michigan just to join us in the cause to end violence against women.

There may be a lots of people there - how can I assure my safety?

In the history of Take Back the Night at EMU we have never had any problems with the people who attend the speak-out or the rally. The EMU Department of Public Safety continues to be a wonderful ally year after year - they send officers to join us for the speak-out and the march to ensure the safety of every participant. Further, this event is strictly voluntary - you can come and go as you please as you assess your own safety.

I may be upset or emotionally stressed afterwards - who can I talk to?

It is not uncommon for people to feel overwhelmed, upset, or emotionally distressed before, during, or after the event. Each year EMU Counseling Services sends counselors for people to talk with if they are feeling overwhelmed or upset. We also have pamphlets for community agencies such as SafeHouse Center, First Step, and the EMU Women's Resource Center for you to contact at any time.

Where did Take Back the Night originate?

To read about the history of Take Back the Night, click here.

If you have anymore questions or concerns please contact the WRC:

E-mail: emu_womenscenter@emich.edu

Phone: 734.487.4282