Today, Wednesday, Oct. 17, UWL will be participating in La Crosse’s Take Back the Night event along with Western Technical College, Viterbo University, Gundersen Health System, Mayo Clinic, and New Horizons. 

According to their website, Take Back the Night Foundation (TBTNF) is an international nonprofit with a mission “To end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence . . . through awareness events and initiatives.” Those that wish to hold events within their community can register their event with TBTNF and request event planning and organization help from The Foundation.  

The Foundation then supports local events through aiding with supplies, event planning organization, and fundraising.  

UWL’s student organization, Preventing Awareness Victim Empowerment (PAVE), has been working closely with Take Back the Night. Kendra Whelan, Vice President of PAVE, stated that UWL’s involvement began in September when Gundersen reached out to UWL with the hopes of La Crosse’s three campuses coming together to participate in this city-wide event. 

Whelan said, “It’s my understanding that there hasn’t been a Take Back the Night in La Crosse for quite some time, so for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we thought October would be a great time to do it.” Whelan said she is optimistic about turnout and reception because of the amount of support that the community has shown already. 

Whelan said that this event is a chance for survivors to feel empowered and the community to offer the necessary support for those survivors, “It’s a time to say we believe you, we see you, and we will do everything we can to support you.” 

Part of this support is making survivors aware of the resources available to victims both through the community and through the colleges.  

One example of these resources is New Horizons Shelter, a place in La Crosse for individuals to seek shelter from domestic abuse and assault. The Shelter has a 24-hour crisis hotline and offers services to children of victims.  

Additionally, Mayo Clinic and Gundersen Health System offer services by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) who receive specific, advanced training in medical examination of sexual assault victims. SANE staff are not just educated about how to give an exam following a trauma of this nature, but also have training in how to work with victims in aspects of reporting, psychological care, and future safety. 

On campus, UWL’s Violence Prevention Office offers free and confidential advocacy and support to students who feel that they need help. The Counseling and Testing Center as well as The Student Health Center work with survivors to offer assistance and support. 

Take Back the Night will start at 7 p.m. at the Hoeschler Clock Tower. After having a moment of silence there, participants will march to Viterbo University and then conclude the walk at Western Techincal College where there will be tables detailing the available resources for violence and sexual assault protection in the community. There will also be an open mic for those that wish to share their experiences.  

“I really hope that with this event, we can shatter the silence around domestic violence, and get people the help and support they need,” Whelan said.