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(NEW ORLEANS – October 17, 2019) Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, according to the Rape and Incest National Network (RAINN). And every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Meanwhile, only 5 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison. This month, local universities take a stand in the international effort to end rape and other forms of gender violence and to show support for survivors.

The Crescent City’s 28th annual “Take Back the Night Event and March Against Sexual Violence,” an annual candlelight vigil and march, begin at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, outside the Marquette Building on Loyola’s main campus, 6363 St. Charles Ave.

“Take Back the Night is an annual opportunity to stand publicly in solidarity with survivors and to work toward prevention of gender violence,” said Patricia Boyett, director of the Women’s Resource Center at Loyola. “The event focuses on advocating for survivors, raising awareness about the persistent pervasiveness of gender violence, working toward changing the rape culture that perpetuates it, and creating a more just world, where all genders are treated with equal respect and dignity.”

Students, faculty, and staff from Loyola, Tulane, Dillard, Xavier, the Newcomb Institute, the University of New Orleans, and Southern University of New Orleans, as well as community partners whose work involves investigating gender violence, seeking justice for advocates, and supporting survivors, will join the peaceful protest. On hand will be representatives from area nonprofits including STAR, the Family Justice Center, LaFASA, Moms Demand Action, and METRO.

Loyola President Tania Tetlow, a legal expert on domestic violence and sexual assault, and Dillard University President Walter Kimbrough will give opening remarks. ��Students from Tulane, Loyola, Dillard and UNO will share insight and perspectives.
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Approximately 600 participants are expected to march down St. Charles Avenue, Broadway Avenue and Freret Street, then head to Loyola’s Danna Student Center, where survivors are welcome to share their stories at a “speak-out” closed to media.

Students, faculty, staff and area residents are invited to attend and support this free, public event. New Orleans Police and Loyola University Police will serve as escorts. Advocates will be available in case participants are triggered.

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO THE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL AND MARCH. THE SPEAKOUT EVENT IS A PRIVATE AND CLOSED EVENT.