UA HEALTH CENTER SPONSORS FIRST ANNUAL NWA TAKE BACK THE NIGHT MARCH

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The First Annual Northwest Arkansas Take Back the Night March will be held on Friday, April 25, 2003. The University of Arkansas Health Center RESPECT group (Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Thought) invites the Northwest Arkansas community to march and speak-out against violence and sexual abuse of women.

Violence against women is not an individual issue, but is a community issue. It is everyone's responsibility to bring an end to violence against women. Take Back the Night March is designed to create awareness and to empower individuals, and to inspire action that will bring an end to violence against women. Following the March from the Fayetteville Square to the U of A Union Courtyard, the evening will include an exhibit of survivor stories, the Campus Clothesline Project, the Banner Project, a speak-out, a candlelight vigil, and more.

Gathering at the Fayetteville Square will begin at 6:30 p.m. Opening remarks are scheduled for 7 p.m. The March from the Square to the U of A Union Courtyard (going across Block Street, down Dickson Street, and across the U of A campus) will commence at 7:15 p.m. Additional events, exhibits and closing ceremonies will begin at 8 p.m. in the Union Courtyard.

Commemorative "glow-in-the-dark" t-shirts are available ($12 per shirt) at Springfest, University Health Center and the night of the March. Proceeds will benefit rape awareness and prevention education. Additional information is available by calling RESPECT at 575-7252.

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