Take Back the Night
History
In April 2002, RESPECT of the STAR Central Office (renamed the Campus Sexual and Relationship Violence Center in August 2019), University Health Services (now known as Pat Walker Health Center) decided to bring back the Take Back the Night March to the Northwest Arkansas Community. It had been years since such an event had been held. RESPECT vowed to make it an annual tradition for the community to have an avenue to speak out against violence against women and sexual violence. Many community members and groups become involved with this event, help promote it, provide information, and speak out at the march. Past activities of the March include: a proclamation from the city of Fayetteville, a speak-out, a candlelight vigil, poem readings, inspirational singing, advocacy speakers, and more. Men, women, and children would march together as a unified voice denouncing violence against women. The event has caught the eye of many throughout Northwest Arkansas and continues to grow every year.
Take Back the Night is held during the month of April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Historically, TBTN was a march from the Fayetteville Square to the U of A campus for closing ceremonies. In 2020, as the COVID pandemic changed the way many things were done, the 2020 event was the first virtual Take Back the Night. Moving forward into 2021 with COVID pandemic matters still at hand, TBTN is taking on a modified form yet again. Beginning in 2021, TBTN is to be held as a gathering at the Greek Theater. The event will continue to recognize the epidemic of violence against women and sexual violence through impactful programming to occur at TBTN. Participants are still encouraged to make and display banners/signs with messages that advocate for change and the need for an end to violence against women and sexual violence. We invite all of the Northwest Community to join us on campus for this emotionally supportive and changing annual event.