Purdue News
Purdue News
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October 8, 2002 Purdue plans activities for Intimate Violence Awareness WeekWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Intimate Violence Awareness Week will be recognized at Purdue University with several events the week of Oct. 14. Opening ceremonies will take place at noon on Monday, Oct. 14, in the Purdue Memorial Union Great Hall. Speakers will include West Lafayette Mayor Sonya Margerum; Lafayette Mayor David Heath; Janet Wang, YWCA domestic violence intervention and prevention program director; Cheryl Ubelhor, Crisis Center executive director; and a rape survivor. Following the speakers, the a cappella group Sisters of Thunder will perform. Later that evening, a "speakout" will be held so people can share their concerns and experiences with sexual and domestic violence. The event begins at 7 p.m. in Stewart Center, Room 206. The "speakout" also will include a reading of poetry written by survivors of sexual violence. Marchers will gather once again on Wednesday, Oct. 16, for the annual Take Back the Night March. The marchers will first assemble for a rally at 7 p.m. on the front lawn of the Purdue Memorial Union. The rally will feature speakers who will relate their personal experience with sexual and relationship violence. A short march around campus will follow, then marchers will return to the union, where there will be refreshments and a concert by the Sisters of Thunder. Karen Hall, Women's Resource Office director, says Take Back the Night marches have been held internationally since the 1970s. "The idea behind the march is to 'take back' the night, a time when women are often taught to be fearful of going out alone, or are discouraged from going out at all," Hall says. "The march recognizes that violence against women, children and men occurs during both day and night. By marching, participants empower themselves and their communities by educating to help prevent further violence. They also honor the strength of those who have survived sexual and domestic violence." The Clothesline Project, in which survivors of violence can share their stories by decorating T-shirts, also will be in the Purdue Memorial Union lobby the week of Oct. 14. In addition, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, an interactive theatre performance by HumanRITE will take place in Stewart Center, rooms 302 and 306. HumanRITE will present scenes dealing with intimate violence. All activities are sponsored by the Purdue Student Union Board in conjunction with the YWCA, Purdue Women's Resource Office, Student Wellness Office, Crisis Center, and Boiler Volunteer Network . CONTACT: Karen Hall, (765) 494-9879, wro@purdue.edu. NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: The media are welcome to cover the march and related events. Contact the Women's Resource Office at (765) 494-9879. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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