KINGSTON, R.I. – April 22, 2019 – On the last Thursday in April, 10 locations around the world will host “10 Points of Light,” a global event for the Take Back the Night Foundation. This year the URI Women’s Center/Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS) has been selected to be part of this international effort, to shine a light on the issue of sexual violence.
The 6th Annual URI Take Back the Night shares a proud history with thousands that have gone before. In 1973, college women in southern Florida wore bed sheets they had dyed black and carried broomsticks on a walk to protest unsafe areas of campus. In October 1975, in Philadelphia, a Take Back the Night Rally and Protest was mobilized after the murder of faculty microbiologist Susan Alexander Speeth who was stabbed to death while walking home alone, only a block from her house. There was outrage over her murder and the public warnings stating that women should stay inside to prevent similar tragedies. The URI Women’s Center/VPAS continue to be a part of this history.
Take Back the Night on April 25 on the URI Kingston campus is a part of the annual Take Back the Week Events, during which the Women’s Center/ VPAS will raise awareness of all forms of sexual violence. The week begins today, April 22, with a Consent Tea event with guest speaker Rachel Brian, the founder of Blue Seat Studios known for its video, “Consent: It’s simple as Tea,” and awareness events will continue throughout the week. The schedule of events can be found on the Women’s Center’s homepage.
Take Back the Night on April 25 will include the Symposium for the Awareness and Prevention of Campus Sexual Assault. The event is free and open to the public. Workshops begin at 3 p.m. in the Memorial Union, 50 Lower College Road, Kingston Campus. Please note – registration is required to attend workshops: https://forms.gle/Ui4r5LSmMkHoT1ZeA
Join us as we take a stand against sexual and interpersonal violence in all forms – dating abuse, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and every other type of sexual violence by Taking Back the Night at 6:15 p.m. in the URI Welcome Center, 45 Upper College Road.
A rally, a march, and a celebration with remarks by nationally known Katie Koestner and URI’s Vice President of Student Affairs Kathy Collins.
For additional information:
Penny Rosenthal, PhD, office (401) 874-2097, email: woman@etal.uri.edu
URI Women’s Center & Violence Prevention Advocacy Services (VPAS)
The URI Women’s Center/VPAS provides the resources and support to help create an environment free of sexual inequities for all community members. In addition, the Women’s Center and VPAS coordinate lectures, programs, and activities of special interest to those concerned with gender, sexual violence, and leadership. VPAS provides advocacy services to survivors of sexual violence, offering resources and support. Located at 22 Upper College Road, the Women’s Center includes a residential component for female-identified students committed to building a supportive community.