WSU Women’s Center Holds Rally Against Sexual Violence

OGDEN, Utah — Weber State University’s Women’s Center will host Take Back the Night, a march and rally to unite community members in the fight against sexual violence on April 14 at 7 p.m.

The march will begin at the Ogden Amphitheater (343 E. 25th St.) at 7 p.m. Participants will walk around two city blocks and return to the amphitheater.

Following the march, a speak out will offer a safe place for discussions about violence or sexual assault. Participants can share their experience or offer support to victims through spoken word, music, performance art or any other form that best delivers their message.

The Women’s Center will also recognize Rep. Angela Romero for the success of her 2017 legislative work, including a bill that would test all unprocessed rape kits in Utah. 

"Take Back the Night is meant to amplify the voices of victims and survivors of sexual and relationship violence,” said Stephanie McClure, Women’s Center director. “It is an event where each and every one of us can come together and show our support for victims and survivors. We can collectively take a stance against violence and start the process of healing."  

Participants will have several opportunities to make signs for the event prior to the march. A sign-making party will be held in the Shepherd Union Atrium on April 11 from noon-5 p.m. Students can also visit the Women’s Center in the Shepherd Union Room 322 to make a sign or an awareness raising T-shirt to be displayed in the Clothesline Project, an exhibit about the effects of sexual violence, anytime from April 10-13, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Participants can also make a sign or T-shirt on the day of the march, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ogden Amphitheater.

The Women’s Center consistently advocates for social justice and a healthy campus experience. Last month, Ogden’s City Council honored the Women’s Center for its efforts in addressing sexual assault and promoting opportunities for survivors to heal.

“We are grateful for the incredible efforts of the Women’s Center and other organizations in our community to put an end to sexual assault,” Ogden City Council Chair Marcia White said. “We encourage residents to join us this month as advocates for victims by attending WSU’s Take Back the Night event and speaking out against this intolerable crime.”

Take Back the Night events have been held on campuses and in communities around the globe for more than 30 years. This is the second year WSU will hold its own march. 

"Whether you are a victim or survivor of sexual and relationship violence or a community supporter, Take Back the Night is a solidarity event where we get the opportunity to build community, use our collective voice to take a stand against violence and demand that our rights, our safety and wellbeing are protected and supported,” McClure said.

On the day of the event, Waffle Love (109 25th St.) will donate 10 percent of every purchase to the Women’s Center when a customer mentions Take Back the Night.

Visit the Women’s Center website at weber.edu/womenscenter or Take Back the Night’s Facebook page at facebook.com/events/277242512731964/ for more information.

Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.

Author:

Rachel Badali, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7295 • rachelbadali@weber.edu

 

Contact:

Stephanie McClure, Women’s Center Director
801-626-6090 • womenscenter@weber.edu