Take Back the Night

Jefferson College and COMTREA - Take Back the Night April 25 to Raise Awareness of Sexual Abuse

As part of an international effort to end sexual violence in all of its forms, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, dating violence, and domestic violence, Jefferson College and Community Treatment, Inc. (COMTREA) will again co-host “Take Back the Night” on Thursday, April 25, at 6 p.m. at the college track on the Hillsboro campus.

The event is also being held in conjunction with April’s designation by President Barack Obama as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Open to everyone in the region, the inspirational evening will include several awareness activities highlighted by a walk to recognize and support survivors of sexual violence and abuse. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Fine Arts Theatre.

“Take Back the Night” will also include an opportunity to view the Clothesline Project, an avenue for victims and survivors affected by violence to express their emotions by decorating a shirt and hanging it on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the problem of violence.

Other planned activities include the availability of resources from various community organizations, inspirational guest speakers, a drum circle, free t-shirts and Target canvas bags (while supplies last), hotdogs/chips/water/snacks for participants, music by DJ Donnie Beck, and a live broadcast by KJFF radio.

Community resources will include Lydia’s House, the Military Family Support Network, YMCA, Active Minds at Jefferson College, the GAIN Project from Washington University, Xtreme Krav Maga Self Defense, Jefferson College student organizations, Jefferson College Alumni and Friends Association, St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, Victory Church, Mary Daniels Scholarship Fund, Victim's Advocacy Office, A Safe Place, and St. Anthony's Medical Center.

In recognition of “Take Back the Night,” attendees may make a tax-deductible donation to the Mary Daniels Scholarship fund in support of the former Jefferson County resident who was brutally attacked and stabbed to death by her estranged husband. Throughout the evening, donations for the scholarship fund will be accepted.

A ticket drawing for a “Summer Fun” basket, sponsored by the Jefferson College Active Minds club, will include: two May 13 Cardinal tickets behind home plate, two Six Flags tickets, a YMCA summer pass, two Wacky Warriors passes, four City Museum tickets, $25 to Maggiano's, Steak N Shake Deals, a $5 Sonic card, four passes to the Museum of Transportation including train ride, Imperial Bowling shoe rental and pizza, Smore's Grilling kit, a kite, two water bottles, a Lighthouse Candle holder with candles, modeling clay, water balloons, an outdoor grilling cookbook, Cardinals schedule magnet, Impatiens in a can, an AFLAC duck, water guns, a soduko book, and a Target canvas bag. Tickets will be available for $1 each or $5 for six tickets.

Attendees may also sponsor a luminary to honor or remember a loved one that tragedy or violence has affected. The luminaries will be used to light the track for the TBTN walk.

According to a proclamation issued by President Obama, “In the last 20 years, our nation has made meaningful progress toward addressing sexual assault. Where victims were once left without recourse, laws have opened a path to safety and justice; where a culture of fear once kept violence hidden, survivors are more empowered to speak out and get help. But even today, too many women, men, and children suffer alone or in silence, burdened by shame or unsure anyone will listen. This month, we recommit to changing that tragic reality by stopping sexual assault before it starts and ensuring victims get the support they need.”

“Take Back the Night” empowers survivors in the healing process and inspires responsibility in all with a goal to create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives. Events highlight the problem of violence against women as well as the broader issues of sexual violence: sexual assault, dating violence, sexual abuse, domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, child abuse, and other unhealthy relationships.

For more information about “Take Back the Night” activities, contact Jefferson College Resource Advisor Deb Shores at (636) 481-3286 or Kathy Porter at COMTREA (636) 296-6206.