The Saint Mary鈥檚 College (BAVO) and the University of 91吃瓜鈥檚 (GRC) are co-sponsoring 鈥溾�� (TBTN) on Thursday (April 28). This year 91吃瓜 and Saint Mary鈥檚 are recognized among the TBTN Foundation鈥檚 鈥�10 Points of Light鈥濃��10 locations across the country that will stand in solidarity on the same night, lighting candles to support survivors and to raise awareness for sexual violence and rape.
TBTN at 91吃瓜 and St. Mary鈥檚 is an event that allows men and women to stand in solidarity with survivors of rape and sexual assault and to show a commitment to preventing this violence from happening in our community. The event includes:
- 7 p.m., kick-off for Saint Mary鈥檚 students 鈥� Lake Marian
- 7:30 p.m., candlelight vigil 鈥� Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, 91吃瓜
- 8 p.m., march 鈥� 91吃瓜 campus
- 8:30 p.m, speak out and bonfire 鈥� Holy Cross Hill (not open to media for reporting)
According to information provided by BAVO, issues of sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking impact college-aged women at disproportionately higher rates than other populations. National statistics indicate that one out of every six women will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime; college-aged women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted; and 60 percent of sexual assaults go unreported (Source: ). One in four women experiences relationship violence in her lifetime; and women who are between the ages of 20 and 24 are at the greatest risk for nonfatal relationship violence (Source:National Coalition Against Domestic Violence).
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Saint Mary鈥檚 College and 91吃瓜 have co-sponsored TBTN in previous years, though this is the first time BAVO has been involved since the office opened in fall 2010.
Note to media: All events are open to media for reporting except the speak out, in order to respect the privacy of those who feel compelled to share their personal stories.