The Haven Project at Indiana University of Pennsylvania will host the annual Take Back the Night event on April 8 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the IUP campus.
Take Back the Night is designed to raise awareness and support survivors of sexual violence, domestic and dating violence, and stalking. It is free and open to all.
“TBTN is also intended to show those impacted by sexual violence that IUP is a unified community dedicated to ending sexual violence and supporting survivors and victims,” Coordinator of Sexual Violence Prevention and Wellness Education with the Haven Project Kristy Rowley said.
TBTN is a global event held at many colleges and universities throughout the nation, in response to the fact that, in many situations, violence occurs at night, and as a result, many people stay home out of fear. “The Take Back the Night March is held in an effort to end sexual violence and to send the message to victims, survivors, and those impacted by this type of violence that they no longer need to remain fearful or isolated,” Rowley said.
Every year, more than a thousand people—students, staff, faculty, and Indiana residents—participate in the event, including the Alice Paul House, Indiana County’s comprehensive victims’ service organization that provides trauma-focused advocacy and empowerment to victims, survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault.
IUP’s Haven Project assists students who have experienced these issues, collaborating with area police departments, the IUP Counseling Center, and the Alice Paul House.
The Haven Project also works closely with IUP’s Social Equity and Title IX Office to address sexual harassment, sexual violence, retaliation, and other prohibited sexual misconduct. It also supports victims and survivors by providing confidential counseling and information on resources, accommodations, and reporting options, and educates the campus community on these issues by providing educational programming and awareness campaigns and events. The Haven Project also provides peer educator and volunteer opportunities, internships, and practicums for students.
This year’s TBTN event includes the opening event at 6:00 p.m. in the Oak Grove, the TBTN march through campus starting at 7:00 p.m. from the Oak Grove, and the Survivors Support Reception and Speak Out event at 7:30 p.m. in the Hadley Union Building’s Ohio Room.
The opening event in the Oak Grove includes chalking the walks, sign-making, photo opportunities with Norm, visiting resource tables, and guest speakers, including IUP President Michael Driscoll, IUP Vice President for Student Affairs Tom Segar, and IUP Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Coordinator Elise Glenn. As supplies last, participants can get a free TBTN T-shirt and can sign the IUP “It’s On Us” Pledge.
It’s On Us is a national initiative designed to combat campus sexual assault by engaging all students in awareness and prevention education programs. IUP is an eight-time winner of the It’s On Us PA grant, the nation’s first statewide campaign to combat campus sexual assault and violence.
The opening event also will feature a display of the Clothesline Project, which includes shirts designed by victims and survivors of sexual or relationship violence (no names are associated with the shirts), to raise awareness and show support for people who have experienced these crimes.
The TBTN march ends at the HUB (the march route follows ADA standards for accessibility and takes roughly 15 minutes in total). IUP’s ROTC students, cadre, and staff will act as march guides to keep the path clear.
Counselors and advocates will be available at the Survivors Support Reception and Speak Out event to talk with participants, and self-guided healing activities will be provided at every table. The Speak Out is a safe and judgment-free space for survivors, victims, and loved ones to share their experiences and stories of sexual violence. Any student is welcome to speak once the floor is open.
Since its founding in 1875, IUP has evolved from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university recognized for its commitment to student success and achievement. As IUP celebrates its 150th anniversary during the 2025–26 academic year and through the Impact 150 comprehensive campaign, the university honors a legacy of educational excellence while looking to its next 150 years of student success, innovation, leadership in healthcare education, and public service.