Lexington to Take Back the Night

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 29, 2010) – Stand up!  Speak out! Strengthen the cause!

On Wednesday, March 31, Lexington will join the national movement of Take Back the Night with a march and rally downtown.

Women started to stand up and speak out against sexual violence under the banner of Take Back the Night 33 years ago. During those years, Take Back the Night became known internationally as a visible way for men and women to take a stand against sexual violence as well as domestic violence in their community.

Those who would like to participate will meet at one of the March With Me launch sites at 7 p.m. Sites include the Patterson Office Tower plaza at the University of Kentucky, the parking lot of 3rd Street Stuff on Limestone, and Triangle Park. The marches will lead everyone to Courthouse Plaza in downtown Lexington for the rally from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The UK Violence Intervention and Prevention Center (VIP), the organizer of the local Take Back the Night activities, invites all area colleges, high schools and community members to participate in this powerful mission to illuminate the darkness surrounding victims of violence and to speak up for healing change and the right for everyone to live free of violence and fear. The rally will include special speakers, musical guests, a candlelight vigil, community resource tables, and more.

All high school students in grades 9-12 are also invited to participate in a poetry contest.

For more information, call 257-3189.