Take Back the Night Rally to be held in IC tonight
Hunter
04/26/22
The Women’s Resource and Action Center is holding the first Take Back the Night Rally since 2019 in Iowa City at the Pentacrest tonight.
The Daily Iowan reports that survivors of sexual violence and their advocates will hold a brief discussion on sexual violence; advocates, volunteers and various sexual violence resources will be present and available throughout the event because of the topics that will be discussed.
Lauri Haag is the program developer of the University of Iowa’s Women’s Resource and Action Center. She tells the DI that the rallies were created as educational and activist events to bring attention to the prevalence of sexual violence. The first rally in Iowa City was held in June 1979 at College Green Park, which had become a hot spot for rape, attempted rape, and sexual harassment. The rally was unique in that any men who approached the park were handed a card asking them to not attend the rally due to their presence making some women uncomfortable. That led to editorials over the next few weeks in the Daily Iowan showing support for the women, and others complaining that the rally identified all men with rapists.
Organizers say there will be an open mic for anyone who wishes to share their stories, and everyone who wants to speak will be heard before the group marches through downtown Iowa City and the Ped Mall. Haag says the theme of this year’s rally is “Shattering the Silence,” giving those affected by sexual violence a chance to speak out about their experiences.
The event begins at 6pm.