Take Back the Night to honor and support sexual assault and domestic violence survivors

The Center for Wellness Promotion and the Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Education Committee will host the annual Take Back the Night at 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, in the Barnhardt Student Activity Center.

Research indicates that sexual violence and intimate partner violence can affect as many as one in four women and one in six men around the world regardless of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender identity and sexual orientation. “Take Back the Night allows us to provide a safe and supportive space for survivors, their supporters and provides a real life learning experience for those who are interested in learning how they can help,” said Nicole Madonna-Rosario, health education specialist in the Center for Wellness Promotion. “It is very powerful to hear survivors tell their story of their healing journey.”

Chancellor Philip Dubois will provide opening remarks for the event, which will conclude with a candlelight vigil, march (led by the 49er Battalion Color Guard) and a “speak out” at Belk Tower, weather permitting. The tower will be lit in teal April 14-30 in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Following the chancellor’s remarks, Ron and Jan Kimble will be honored for their work through the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage, an organization that creates partnerships to bring effective and innovative domestic violence prevention programs to the public. Ron Kimble currently serves as deputy city manager for the city of Charlotte. The Kimbles started the foundation after their daughter was killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2012; their goal is to use their story to prevent domestic violence in the lives of young people. Afterward, three survivors will tell their story and their journey to healing. A perfmance by a voice professor will conclude the event.

Participants are encouraged to attend “Remember the Night” on Thursday, April 16, to discuss steps on how to shift the culture on campus to create a safer space for survivors and their supporters. A continental breakfast sponsored by the UNC Charlotte Interfraternity Council will be served in the Student Union, Room 200. A staff and faculty only discussion will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The student only discussion will be from 10 a.m. to noon.

During the student session, there will be a Healing Arts project on display, sponsored by the Mu Sigma Upsilon sorority.

For more information, contact Nicole Madonna-Rosario at 704-687-7348 or visit the Center for Wellness Promotion.