“Take Back the Night” during Rowan’s annual program to raise awareness about sexual violence

Sexual violence can happen anywhere, to anyone, at any time. Because it can, Rowan University takes great steps to raise awareness and provide resources to support individuals who are affected by it.

Starting at 6 p.m. on April 5, staff from Rowan’s Office of Healthy Campus Initiatives (HCI) will host the annual Take Back the Night program in the Chamberlain Student Center pit where representatives from various campus groups will offer information and guidance about preventing sexual violence.

The program will include an open-mic segment in which all attendees may share their experiences, followed by a symbolic campus walk to show courage in the face of darkness.

“Take Back the Night allows students, faculty and staff to speak out against sexual assault and to offer safe spaces to one another,” said Serina Gonzalez, graduate coordinator for HCI. “This year’s program will feature various Rowan organizations teaching students how they can promote being an active bystander and how to create a safe environment.”

Following the campus walk, which is part of the nationwide Take Back the Night program, attendees will return to the Student Center for a gift basket give-a-way.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, as many as one in five women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime as will nearly a quarter of all men.

The NSVRC reports that, according to the 2019 Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Misconduct, nearly one in four undergraduate women were affected by sexual assault and misconduct at 33 of the nation’s major universities.

Allie Pearce, assistant director for HCI, said this year’s event is also significant as it will mark a return to in-person programming.

“We’re really excited to have Take Back the Night back fully in-person for the first time in two years,” Pearce said. “While we will still have some social media components on @RowanHCI, there is something powerful about seeing our campus community come together like this. All are welcome to attend, speak, listen, walk and learn why preventing sexual violence is everyone’s responsibility.”

Learn more about HCI’s initiatives to promote sexual health.