News Releases

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine announces Portland's 24th Annual Take Back the Night March & Rally

April 22, 2005

USM Contact:
Mark Kay Kasper, 780-5139

Contact:
Stephanie Bouffard or Marcie Oechslie Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine (SARSSM)
800-313-9900, www.sarssm.org

In honor of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine announces Portland's 24th Annual Take Back the Night March & Rally, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Friday, April 29, in Monument Square.

Take Back the Night originated in Germany in 1973, and is an internationally celebrated event designed to gather support for victims of sexual and domestic violence.

This year's highlights include comments by Stephen Wessler, director of USM's Center for the Prevention of Hate Violence, and Daryl Fort, director of Community Development, Office of the Governor, as well as skits by area youth, music by local performers, donated pastries from Panera Bread and coffee from Zarra's Monumental Coffeehouse.

A police escort will lead the march through the Old Port, returning to Monument Square for a speak-out at which survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones can stand up to briefly share stories.

Every two minutes, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. Nearly one-third of American women reported being physically or sexually victimized by a partner at some point in their lives. Clearly, Take Back the Night still holds a sobering relevance for communities at large. With these grave statistics in mind, plan to attend this inspiring event to honor survivors of violence and unite to work toward eradicating sexual and domestic violence for all.

Submitted by Portland's 24th annual Take Back the Night Planning Committee: SARSSM, Family Crisis Services, Outright, Planned Parenthood, USMÕs WomenÕs Resource Center, UNE, Maine Speakout Project, and Preble Street Teen Center.

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