Event held to spread awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence
Press release issued by Gloucester County
On Wednesday, April 4, Rowan University held Take Back the Night, an event in honor of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Take Back the Night is an international initiative against sexual assault and domestic violence that hosts events where the community has the opportunity to come together to support survivors and remember the victims of abuse and assault.
Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger said, “On a national level, one in five female college students will be sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. That’s why the county is supporting programs such as SERV, that work to help victims and raise awareness through events like Take Back the Night and Denim Day.”
SERV (Services Empowering Rights of Victims) provides support to hundreds of survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and human trafficking each year. SERV advocates attended and supported the Rowan University student body by presenting during the event, answering questions and providing resources throughout the night.
SERV is also promoting Denim Day throughout the month of April in order to assist victims get the help they need. By pledging $5 and wearing denim on Fridays in April members of the community can make it easier for victims of violence to access crisis intervention services including a 24/7 hotline, counseling, safe housing, and advocate accompaniments to hospitals, police stations, and the court.
