Tennessee Tech will host the Take Back the Night event Tuesday to raise awareness about sexual assault and connect survivors with community resources.
Tennessee Tech Associate Professor of Political Science Lauren Harding said the event aims to improve prevention efforts and honor survivors by bringing together advocacy groups from across the area.
“We want them to know that statistically speaking, these things are happening, that they need to be aware, and that there are both things that they can do to improve their own safety,” Harding said. “But also there are support resources out there that if something does happen to them, they know where to go, they know how to connect with that support.”
Harding said Take Back the Night is part of a grassroots movement that began in the 1970s with marches and demonstrations. The historical movement continues to advocate for women and fight against domestic violence nationwide.
“And so we join together not just with those who are with us right now, but also kind of as part of this historical movement to advocate for women, to bring resources, and to raise awareness, to continue to make our campuses safer, to continue to make our community safer, and to continue to fight against sexual assault and domestic violence in our nation,” Harding said.
Harding said Assistant District Attorney Jenna Huff will serve as the keynote speaker to share her experience as a special prosecutor for domestic violence. Cookeville Police Department victim services coordinator Tara Bates will also attend to advocate for survivors.
“And so we want survivors to know that they’re not alone, that there are individuals there to support them, encourage them, and advocate for them as well,” Harding said.
Harding said multiple organizations will provide information at the event, including Pi Sigma Alpha, the Peer Empowerment Program, and the Upper Cumberland Family Justice Center. Genesis House, the Tech Counseling Center, and the Greta Stanger Center will also be represented to offer social services and counseling.
“We will have a catered reception and a candlelight vigil particularly honoring survivors,” Harding said. “And also giving space to survivor testimonials to let others know who may be going through a similar situation, again, that they’re not alone, that they’re supported, that they are backed by the community and we honor those survivors.”
Harding said Take Back the Night is part of a grassroots movement that began in the 1970s with marches and demonstrations. The historical movement continues to advocate for women and fight against domestic violence nationwide.
“And so we join together not just with those who are with us right now, but also kind of as part of this historical movement to advocate for women, to bring resources, and to raise awareness, to continue to make our campuses safer, to continue to make our community safer, and to continue to fight against sexual assault and domestic violence in our nation,” Harding said.
The Take Back The Night event will take place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Tech Pride room on Tennessee Tech’s campus.