University News

WIU Women's Center Prepares for Take Back the Night March and Rally

September 20, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - The Western Illinois University Women's Center will host its 35th annual Take Back the Night March and Rally beginning at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, in front of Sherman Hall. The annual march and rally is held to increase awareness of and seek an end to sexual assault, dating, domestic violence, stalking and other forms of sexual and power-based interpersonal violence and to remember and honor victims and survivors.

The theme for this year's event is "Returning OUR Light." The program will start with a resource fair at 4:30 p.m. and speakers from WIU and the Macomb community at 5 p.m. Immediately following this will be a march to Macomb's Chandler Park for a survivor speak-out. Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA) Victim Services and University Counseling Center staff will be available throughout the event.

Anyone interested in sharing their story during the survivor speak-out at Chandler Park is encouraged to complete this Take Back the Night Story Submission form. You may submit your story anonymously if you would like it to be read at the survivor speak-out on your behalf.

Other events planned leading up to the rally include:

Monday, Sept. 23, 1-4 p.m., MCC Multipurpose Room: The Clothesline Project; an opportunity for survivors of violence to decorate t-shirts which will then be displayed at the Multicultural Center throughout the week. Individuals can bring t-shirts or t-shirts will be available at the event free of charge.

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 5-7 p.m., MCC Multipurpose Room: Paint and Sip; a night full of arts and crafts while mingling with others.

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 4-7 p.m., MCC Multipurpose Room: Community Take Back; a chance for students to let go of trauma with plate breaking, journal writing and screenprinting.

Organizations and businesses wishing to support this cause can assist by making a financial contribution that will be donated to Western Illinois Regional Council's Victim Services. Donations can be made by credit card on the WIU Multicultural Center donation page by selecting Take Back the Night from the "Please Designate My Gift To" section. Check and cash donations can be made at the WIU Multicultural Center between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sept. 23-Sept. 26. All donors will receive one t-shirt as supplies last.

For more information on WIU's Women's Center, visit wiu.edu/wc.

Posted By: Aaron Viner (AP-Viner@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing