April 15, 2008
Walk to raise awareness against sexual violence
ABERDEEN, S.D. --Throughout the month of April, colleges and high schools across the country will organize events to help shatter the silence on sexual violence. In Aberdeen, Safe Harbor will sponsor a "Take Back the Night" walk and candlelight vigil on April 22.
"This walk is so important because it empowers survivors and raises awareness in a community where people don’t believe to the fullest extent that sexual assault is a huge problem," said Molly Petersen, a rural advocate for Safe Harbor. "This walk reinforces the need for prevention efforts and is a great opportunity to distribute accurate information."
"Take Back the Night" is a nationally recognized program occurring on college campuses and high schools throughout the month of April. The unifying theme is the assertion that all human beings have the right to be free from violence, the right to be heard, and the right to reclaim those rights if they are violated.
More than 40 people participated in last year’s walk, which is open to the entire community.
"It’s crucial that the community gets involved to speak out against sexual violence," said Doris Stusiak, Director of Student Services and Activities at Presentation College. "This is an issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or race, but the number of young people affected continues to grow."
The walk will begin at 7 p.m. on April 22 at Roncalli High School, and end with speakers and refreshments at Presentation College.
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About Presentation College
Presentation College is an independent Catholic educational institution, sponsored by the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Founded in 1922, Presentation College is a specialty Health Science Baccalaureate Institution located in Aberdeen, SD, with branch campuses in Eagle Butte, SD and Fairmont, MN. Students at Presentation College are presented with unlimited opportunities to grow intellectually, personally, professionally, and spiritually. For more information visit our website at www.presentation.edu.
Media Contact:
Tarah Jahnig
Coordinator of Friends and College Relations
Presentation College
605.229.8378