(Photo above: Community members Danielle Grimes (left) and Katie Uselman speak out against sexual violence in the photo booth at Saving Grace’s 2016 Take Back The Night | Photo by Wildwood Images)
In Oregon, more than half of all women and girls have experienced sexual violence.
Despite these sobering statistics, we have the power to make a difference by using our voices to change the culture. That’s why Saving Grace is inviting Central Oregonians to Take Back the Night on Friday, April 14 in downtown Bend with an evening full of awareness-raising activities to empower the community to take action against violence.
Saving Grace will kick off its family-friendly Take Back the Night events with a March for Survivors through downtown Bend from 4:30-5:30pm, past the offices of Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Rep. Greg Walden, sharing messages of support for survivors and for the continued funding of critical services. Early blueprints for the federal budget have proposed funding cuts to the Office on Violence Against Women and other services survivors use to get and stay safe.
Following the March, supporters will gather at the Liberty Theater from 5:30-7:30pm for a Speak Out to hear from survivors, learn more about healthy relationships and speak out against abuse. There will be activities for all ages and all are welcome to attend.
Thanks to year-long sponsors Les Schwab, Deschutes Brewery, RBC Wealth Management, Pacific Source, Merkle, Bend Garbage and Recycling, Horizon Broadcasting and East Cascade Women’s Group as well as the support of our partner United Way of Deschutes County.
If you are interested in sponsoring Take Back the Night, email Erin at erin@saving-grace.org.
Saving Grace provides confidential and free service to survivors of intimate partner violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking in Central Oregon and promotes the value of life without violence.
www.saving-grace.org
