The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is joining a nationwide effort to raise awareness of sexual violence and human trafficking by hosting the “Take Back the Night” event on Wednesday, April 10.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., while the event will begin at 6 p.m. in Donaghey Student Center Ledbetter Hall. It will feature a community fair of organizations and agencies who provide services, resources, and advocate for victims of sexual assault and human trafficking.

Speakers will include representatives from Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ACASA) and survivors of sexual assault as well as a performance by singer Tara Riley of the band Moxie. The event will conclude with a candlelit vigil and march across campus to show support for those affected by sexual violence beginning at 8 p.m.

“April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so we are holding this educational event to bring awareness of sexual assault to our students and our community,” said Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, graduate coordinator in the Department of Criminal Justice and the event’s organizer.

One in four women and one in six to eight men will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. College-aged women (18-24) are three times more likely to be victims of sexual violence, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN).

“One of my research areas is looking at sexual violence against women and children internationally and domestically,” ten Bensel said. “One of those areas that I find dear to my heart is helping victims get the services they need and providing solid research in how we can reduce victimization from happening in the future.”

For more information, contact ten Bensel at ixzohra@ualr.edu.