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Loyola University New Orleans Hosts 32nd Annual Take Back the Night March

By Loyola University on Mon, 10/17/2022 - 08:33

(NEW ORLEANS – October 14, 2022) This week, local universities take a stand in the international effort to end rape and other forms of gender violence and to show support for survivors. Take Back the Night is the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence.

“Take Back the Night is an annual opportunity to stand publicly in solidarity with survivors and to work toward prevention of gender violence,” said Patricia Boyett, director of the Women’s Resource Center at Loyola. “The event focuses on advocating for survivors, raising awareness about the persistent pervasiveness of gender violence, working toward changing the rape culture that perpetuates it, and creating a more just world, where all genders are treated with equal respect and dignity.”

The Crescent City’s 32nd annual “Take Back the Night Event and March Against Sexual Violence,” an annual candlelight vigil and march, begins at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022, outside the Marquette Building on Loyola’s main campus, 6363 St. Charles Ave. Students, faculty, staff and area residents are invited to attend and support this free, public event.

Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, according to the Rape and Incest National Network (RAINN). And every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Meanwhile, only 25 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison.
 
This year’s event theme is “Standing in Solidarity with Movements Against Gender Violence Around the World,” and during a candlelight vigil, representatives from all five participating universities will share scripted comments regarding movements in Iran, Afghanistan, Chile, Ukraine, and South Africa.
Loyola Interim President the Rev. Justin Daffron, S.J., a strong voice for all students and survivors, will give opening remarks and a blessing. Melanie Crockett of Xavier University will give the keynote address.

Community partners whose work involves investigating gender violence, seeking justice for advocates, and supporting survivors, will join the peaceful protest. On hand will be representatives from area nonprofits including STAR, New Orleans Health Department, and DUAL Support Inc.

Approximately 600 participants are expected to march across Loyola’s campus and across Freret Street to the Tulane Commons, where survivors are welcome to share their stories at a “speak-out” closed to the media. Members of the Tulane and Loyola Police Departments will accompany them on the walk, as escorts. Advocates will be available in case participants are triggered.