On Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 on the Simon Green, NEC hosted its first annual “Take Back the Night” event in support of sexual assault victims and those affected by domestic violence. Take Back the Night is a nation-wide program that began in 1975 after a group of people got together to protest the murder of a microbiologist who was on her way home from work in Philadelphia one night.
Since 1975, the program has flourished, welcoming survivors of assaults to come forward and share their stories in comfortable, safe environments as well as gain access to support services and ways to find help. Take Back the Night events have been documented in over 36 countries and over 800 communities, with more locations taking a stand every year against these issues that affect so many people.
According to the World Health Organization, it is estimated that 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner, not including sexual harassment, at some point in their lives. However, some national studies show that up to 70 percent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.
According to the program’s website, a message of strength and support backed by Take Back the Night has reached over 30 million people with a commitment to ending sexual violence.
The NEC program included powerful presentations, statistics, a candlelit vigil, and a 1.23 mile walk around Henniker, starting on the Simon lawn and travelling to Ramsdell Road, onto Main Street and back onto Bridge Street and back to the Simon Center.
During the march, chants of support were shouted by the over fifty students, faculty, and staff who attended the event and proudly walked in support of ending the violence.
Please click here if you need support or information on where to find help. You are not alone!
