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Minot State to host Take Back the Night event

Minot State University’s Title IX/Keep U Safe program, in collaboration with the Minot State University Student Social Work Organization and Domestic Violence Crisis Center, will host their annual Take Back the Night rally tonight at 7 p.m.

Participants will meet outside the Minot State Beaver Dam courtyard, located on the north side of the Student Center on 11th Avenue, for the march and then meet inside the Beaver Dam for the event.

“The Take Back the Night rally is an event that raises awareness that a community can make a difference when it comes together to promote healthy relationships and a culture of consent,” Minot State Title IX Coordinator Lisa Dooley said. “Although the original marches were established to prevent violence against women, the organization has since broadened its mission and goals. The Take Back the Night rally at Minot State University is inclusive and acknowledges that violence strikes all sexes, genders, and sexual orientations.”

Community member, Minot State Native American Center director and Diversity Council co-chairperson Annette Mennem will be the guest speaker.

“I am a survivor. It didn’t happen overnight, it took time to be strong enough to stand and take back my life,” Mennem said.

The event, which is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members, will also feature music by Melissa Spelchen, Minot State assistant professor of criminal justice. Free food and beverages are provided.

“I speak on behalf of all survivors that their personal experiences will have lasting effects when a society continues to condone a rape culture,” said Dooley. “The greatest message to convey through this event is for those who may be silent from pressure, guilt, and shame, to let them know that they are not alone, and that their experience is valid. I hope the barriers that have held survivors captive are subsequently utilized to combat rising statistics.”

“My only hope is that this event will continue to build, educate, and strengthen others,” Dooley added. “This is truly a collaborative event and I thank the community’s sponsors who donate drink and food to the night’s events, the men’s basketball team for helping to post signs and luminaries along the pathway, Residence Life for making banners as well as purchasing t-shirts for organizers of the event and the speaker of the event, and Minot State’s Social Work Club members.”

The event’s goal focuses on bringing Minot State members together with the Minot community to help promote healing for survivors, and give participants the tools to advocate for a community free from sexual and domestic violence.

During the event, donations for the Domestic Violence Crisis Center are being collected. Items may also be dropped off at the Title IX office, Memorial Hall 412. Requests include new bed pillows, cleaning supplies, tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, light bulbs, trash bags, phone cards, food items, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, baby lotion and shampoo, diapers, and new undergarments for children and women.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, evolving from a “Day of Unity” first held in October 1981.

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