On the last Thursday in April 10 locations around the world will host “10 Points of Light”, a global event for the Take Back the Night Foundation. This year the URI Women’s Center/Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services (VPAS) has been selected to be part of this international effort, to shine a light on the issue of sexual violence. The 6th Annual URI Take Back the Night shares a proud history with thousands that have gone before. In 1973, college women in southern Florida wore bed sheets they had dyed black and carried broomsticks on a walk to protest unsafe areas of campus. October 1975, in Philadelphia, a Take Back the Night Rally and Protest was mobilized after the murder of faculty microbiologist Susan Alexander Speeth who was stabbed to death while walking home alone, only a block from her house. Outrage not only erupted due to her tragic murder, but also the public warnings stating that women should stay inside to prevent similar tragedies. The URI Women’s Center/VPAS continues with momentum to be a part of this history – and improve our present and future.

Join the URI community as we come together to Take Back the Night and Celebrate our accomplishments together.