Community Corner

'Take Back the Night' Honoring Survivors of Sexual Violence on April 21

The annual event will be held at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa.

In a few weeks, survivors of sexual violence and their supporters in communities including Seminole Heights will "Take Back the Night" in an effort to generate awareness about the issue in Tampa Bay.

"Take Back the Night 2013: Together We Empower" will be begin at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 21 at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 700 N. Ashley Drive in downtown Tampa.

The interactive event sponsored by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay will include sessions on telling your story and coping with sexual violence.

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We talked to Marilyn Shamblin, outreach and empowerment coordinator for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, about what the event entails.

Patch: How did the event come about?

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Shamblin: Take Back the Night began for the U.S. in the 1970s to shed light on the ever-present threat of sexual violence that surrounds women, symbolized in the inability to walk alone at night without fear. Sexual violence is a widespread issue affecting all populations regardless of gender, race, age or socioeconomic status, and the perpetrators are far more elusive than the masked man in the dark alley. Take Back the Night has been adopted by many communities across the world. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and the Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay collaborate with many community organizations to bring forth this important event which highlights the empowerment of survivors, help, hope and healing.  

Patch: What is the purpose of the event?

Shamblin: On Sunday, April 21, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in collaboration with the Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay is hosting Take Back the Night, an interactive event that creates awareness, empowers survivors and educates the community about sexual violence.  The purpose is to support survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, abuse and human trafficking, raise awareness about these issues and create social change.

By attending this event community participants not help heal the hearts of countless survivors by showing their support, also, they have the opportunity to light a candle for themselves or a survivor they know, march for empowerment and freedom from violence, raise their voice to share messages of healing and be a part of the premier sexual violence awareness event in the Tampa Bay area for Sexual Assault Awareness month.

Patch: Why is it important for there to be an event like this in Tampa Bay?

Shamblin: Every two minutes, sexual violence rips through United States and causes destruction in more than just one life. During this time, not only is a survivor’s life forever changed by violence, but the effects touch the family and friends in his or her life with this violence negatively impacting the whole community.

These statistics represent a national epidemic of sexual violence (Statistics from RAINN):

•             1 in every 6 women will be a victim of rape in her lifetime

•             1 in 33 men will be too

•             15% of rape victims are under age 12

•             Girls from the ages of 16-19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault

•             Victims are 6 times more likely to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide

•             Victims are 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol, and 26 times more likely to abuse drugs

This event has the power to transform trauma by honoring the survivor experience. April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month, and the Crisis Center is dedicated to the mobilization of the community proclaiming that this violence is unacceptable! Take Back the Night: Together We Empower is vital in this community to help create an environment filled with hope, healing and freedom from violence.

In addition, last year the Crisis Center provided forensic exams and advocacy services to over 500 rape victims in Hillsborough County.  This number represents less than a third of all sexual assaults that occurred last year, which demonstrates the need for outreach and awareness events like Take Back the Night to reach those who are affected by sexual violence.

Patch: What is the pertinent information for those who want to attend?

Shamblin: This event is scheduled for Sunday, April 21 at Curtis Hixon Park beginning at 4 p.m. with the ceremony starting at 6 p.m.  Take Back the Night is the assembly of survivors of violence and supporters, who are interested in building strength and awareness to eradicate the epidemic of sexual violence. The event includes a Resource and Children’s Fair, Clothesline Project, Music Fest Pledge against Violence, candlelight vigil, Empowerment March and a Sharing Hope Speak-Out to invite survivors and supporters to shatter the silence of sexual violence. The Charlie Hounchell Community Advocate Award will be given to Chief Jane Castor for her lifetime work dedicated to support survivors. The Children’s Fair will offer finger printing and ID cards for kids along with resources and child friendly activities. We anticipate over 85 partners and estimate 1,000 attendees.

We encourage Tampa Bay area residents to join the movement in April and send photos of themselves/friends/family/coworkers/classmates wearing the color teal to the Sexual Violence Task Force Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SVTFTampaBay or tag photos on Instagram and Twitter using #TBTN2013 and #turntampabayteal.

For registration information or questions, call 813-969-4983.

Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/380375912037964/.

To donate: http://www.causes.com/actions/1731792-take-back-the-night-2013-together-we-empower.


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