Photo By Sgt. Jasmine Higgins | Supporters march two miles during the Take Back the Night event on Joint Base...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Every night a form of sexual violence is committed somewhere in the world, and with April, sexual assault awareness prevention month, coming to an end, some decided that it was also time for the sexual violence to end, by taking back the night!
On Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, April 30, Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention leaders encouraged patrons throughout JBLM to step out of their homes and take a stand against sexual violence by participating in an event known as “Take Back the Night”.
The purpose of the SHARP program is to reduce with a goal of eliminating sexual offenses within the U.S. Armed Forces, so events like Take Back the Night are generating awareness and support for that mission throughout the communities.
“Take Back the Night is a nationally recognized event that – has been going on since the 70s from southern Florida,” said Staff Sgt. Chavis Batie, JBLM dental activity. “So it’s a renowned event, it’s a traditional and historic [way of] bringing awareness to victims of sexual assault.”
The Take Back the Night event began with a rally where supporters were given the chance to enjoy food and drinks, and also take part in a celebration that included a speaker, band and even a mime dance performance.
“We just tried to put together something that would celebrate and bring awareness to sexual assault awareness month,” said Batie, who not only helped coordinate the event coupled with the installation and Madigan SHARP teams, but is also the DENTAC SHARP representative.
The highlight of the Take Back the Night event followed the rally and was a two-mile march, in which men, women, children and even dogs strolled the streets as a form of protest against sexual violence.
“I thought it would be a really good way to get out in the community and make a difference,” said Taylor Lopez, an Army spouse. “And let it be known that sexual violence is a problem.”
For most, the event not only brought awareness to sexual violence, but it also provided an all-around positive experience.
“[It feels] empowering that we got up -- and we made a difference walking and being with a group of people to make it known,” said Lopez.
“I thought it was great, my family was out here even with the dog,” said Batie. “It was really nice, we had a good walk, and time to reflect and come together on an issue that
affects us all.”
Take Back the Night helped bring to an end a month full of events geared towards bringing awareness to sexual violence, and many supporters shared the same views when asked if events like this are still relevant now and in the future months to come.
“I feel sometime this topic is blown off and not taken seriously,” said Lopez. “It’s a different era, but it’s still a huge issue, and it needs to be known and helped to be prevented.”
| Date Taken: | 04.30.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2015 13:43 |
| Story ID: | 162700 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 179 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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