ISU Anderson Gender Resource Center to host 12th annual ‘Take Back the Night March and Rally’ on April 29

The 12^th annual "Take Back the Night March and Rally," an event to help raise awareness about sexual violence in the community, will be held Friday, April 29, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Bannock County Courthouse, 624 East Center St.

Following a welcome by Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad, participants will march to the Idaho State University Hutchinson Quadrangle where there will be free dinner, speakers and a raffle. The event is free and open to everyone. Participants are encouraged to show up early to ensure they receive a free event T-shirt since the number available is limited.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month.

"We are very excited to be hosting the 12^th Annual Take Back the Night in Pocatello," said Åsa Burlin, AmeriCorps Service member at the Anderson Gender Resource Center at ISU. "It's great to see the community come together and show their support for survivors of sexual assault and to demonstrate that we will not tolerate future assaults."

"It's a fact one in four women and one in 11 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime, so it’s very likely that we all know somebody who has been a victim, whether we realize it or not," continued Burlin. "Take Back the Night is an opportunity for everyone to stand up and show that we do not accept sexual violence."

Take Back the Night was founded in Brussels, Belgium in 1976. It has since grown to a worldwide event that empowers victims and fights sexual violence everywhere. The event has a great history in Pocatello and would not be possible without strong support from the community.

More than 30 local businesses have donated prizes for a free raffle. Prizes include a $100 gift certificate to the Black Swan Inn, an iPod, dinners at Ruby Tuesday, Texas Roadhouse and Sumisu, and various other gift certificates and items. Additionally, the Bannock County Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Task Force has donated funding for the T-shirts.

For questions or more information about Take Back the Night, call 282-2805. Those members of the Pocatello community who have been affected by sexual assault and who would like assistance are encouraged to call Family Services Alliance at 251-HELP (4357).

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