Established in March 1976, Take Back the Night (TBTN) is a nationally-held event aimed to end sexual, relationship and domestic violence of all kinds. Events include marches, rallies and protests as a way to take action against violence, especially towards women.
One-in-three women worldwide experience some form of sexual violence or intimate partner violence, one-in-six men experience sexual violence and less than 50 percent of victims report these crimes, TBTN’s website said.
One main goal of TBTN is to create safer communities and relationships by raising awareness and hosting events nationally.
The Direction of the Women’s Center began hosting this event at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) in the late ’90s, but as the department dismantled, the Student Health and Wellness Center took over, as they were co-sponsors of TBTN, and other events the Women’s Center hosted.
This year, TAMUK will continue to host the yearly event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, at the Javelina Student Engagement Center.
“This event brings awareness to sexual, domestic and gender violence. Take Back the Night is about speaking out about these problems and helping people find their voice,” Student Health and Wellness Assistant Esmeralda Gutierrez said.
TBTN will be held in-person to the first 40 students while others can attend virtually through Zoom.
Although they will not be attending the event in person, students logging in through Zoom will be able to view the activities taking place.
“Not only is this an opportunity for students to become educated on issues surrounding gender violence, but it also gives survivors the chance to share their story and be surrounded by people who support them,” Director of Student Health and Wellness Jo Elda Castillo-Alaniz said.
Activities planned for the night include a candlelight vigil, presentations from Maribel Arredondo and Tasha Clark, an open mic and the Javelina community pledge.
“TAMUK hosting this event shows the campus is supportive and attentive. Not every survivor has support, and I think it’s important we are making sure our survivors do,” English major Leslie Cariaga said.
“This event is open to anyone who wants to come together as a community to be supportive or people who want to become educated on gender violence,” Castillo-Alaniz said.
