University of Arkansas to Hold Second Annual "Take Back the Night" March

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The Second Annual NWA "Take Back the Night" march will be held on Friday, April 23, 2004. The University Health Center RESPECT group (Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought) invites the NWA community to attend and speak-out against violence and sexual abuse of women.

"Violence against women is not an individual issue; it is a community issue," said Mary Wyandt, health educator with the University Health Center. "'Take Back the Night' is designed to create awareness, to empower individuals, and to inspire action that will bring an end to violence against women."

Scheduled events include:

• 6:30 p.m. - Meet at the Fayetteville Square
• 7 p.m. - Opening remarks
• 7:15 p.m. - March from the Fayetteville Square to the Arkansas Union Courtyard by way of Block Street, Dickson Street, and across the U of A campus.
• 8 p.m. - Closing ceremonies with events and exhibits in the Arkansas Union Courtyard.

Activities at the Arkansas Union include an exhibit of survivor stories, the Campus Clothesline Project, the Banner Project, a speak-out, a candlelight vigil and more.

Commemorative "glow-in-the-dark" t-shirts are available ($12 per shirt) at the annual Fayetteville "Springfest," scheduled for March 24, and at the University Health Center. They will also be available the night of the event. Proceeds will benefit rape awareness and prevention education.

Additional information is available by calling RESPECT at 575-7252.

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Mary A. Wyandt, health educator, University Health Center, (479) 575-7252, mwyandt@uark.edu

Charles Crowson, manager of media relations, University Relations, (479) 575-3583, ccrowso@uark.edu