The Jefferson College VOICE Program will host its seventh annual “Take Back the Night” event at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12, on the Jefferson College of Health Sciences Campus at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital, 101 Elm Ave. SE, beginning in the Third Floor Lobby.
The TBTN event is an international movement, now hosted by many colleges and universities in the United States. Its purpose is to draw attention to the problems of rape, sexual assault and violence against women, men and children in communities across the country.
The evening will begin with speakers, including remarks by a survivor who will share her story during the event. There will then be an open forum for anyone who wants to speak about their personal experiences and offer hope.
Speakers currently scheduled include representatives from: SARA (Sexual Assault Response and Awareness), Inc.; Carilion Clinic Forensic Nurse Examiner Department; Carilion Clinic and Roanoke City Police Departments. In addition, there will also be survivor speakers.
Please note: All cameras and recording devices must be turned off during the survivor speaker presentations and the open forum for privacy, confidentiality and respect for those speaking during that time.
Following the speakers, those attending are invited to participate in the “Fear2Freedom” program. Like the Jefferson VOICE Program, the Fear2Freedom Program is focused on healing and raising awareness about sexual abuse. They strive to meet this goal by partnering colleges and universities with local hospitals to provide aftercare kits for victims/survivors of sexual violence. These beautiful kits, made for both adults and children, contain items such as t-shirts, underwear, journals, etc. Also included is a specially made teddy bear and book to promote healing for the survivors.
These kits provided to local hospitals to give to survivors while they undergo the forensic PERK kit exam, (a very sensitive and daunting experience), will be assembled at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Once assembled, they will be transported to CRMH via Carilion Clinic ambulance.
Interviews may be scheduled through Mark Lambert, senior consultant for Communications & College Relations Jefferson College of Health Sciences at (540) 985-9031, office; (540) 400-3100, cell
Jefferson College of Health Sciences is a private higher education institution that “prepares, within a scholarly environment, ethical, knowledgeable, competent and caring healthcare professionals.” The College focuses on providing healthcare education and is an affiliate of Carilion Clinic.
