Women and Men Take Back the Night march scheduled October 11

(New Orleans)—Loyola University New Orleans announces the 15th annual “Women and Men Take Back the Night” march on Wednesday, October 11, at 6 p.m. The march will begin in the Marquette Hall horseshoe, on the Loyola University main campus, 6363 St. Charles Ave.

This community event, sponsored by Loyola and Tulane universities, and the New Orleans Campus Consortium Against Violence, is a call to end sexual violence against women, men, and children. It is also a powerful healing ritual for survivors of violence and for the men and women who care about them.

The evening is designed primarily to heighten awareness of sexual violence against women and to empower female survivors. The emotionally powerful evening includes speakers from Loyola, Tulane, and the New Orleans community who share their personal stories of abuse and healing. Following the speeches beginning at 6 p.m., a candlelight march will proceed at 6:45 p.m. to Roger’s Chapel at Tulane. There will be an open microphone at 7 p.m., during the closing ceremonies. T-shirts will be on sale the night of the event.

This year, the Take Back the Night march will also hold a fundraiser in support of women’s and survivor services in the greater New Orleans area. Participants are encouraged to bring donations directly to the event or purchase raffle tickets at Loyola or Tulane. Donations and funds will go to Sexual Assault Response and Assistance’s (SARA) Center/Metropolitan

Battered Women’s Program, Crescent House, Common Ground Women’s Center, and Incite.

The “Take Back the Night” march is open to the entire community—women, men, survivors and supporters. For more information, please contact Ilyse Goldberg at 865-3835 or visit the website http://www.loyno.edu/womens.center/TBTN.htm.