Wayne State hosts Take Back the Night Detroit to raise awareness, support survivors of sexual assault

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Wayne State University hosted the annual Take Back the Night Detroit on Friday, April 11. Co-led by the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education, the event was a lively celebration of survivorship, featuring a survivor speak-out and solidarity march. 

Founded in the 1970s, Take Back the Night is the oldest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence in all forms. Take Back the Night Detroit began in 2009 to build on the mission of the global movement and raise awareness, promote prevention and support survivors of sexual violence on their journey toward healing. In 2023, through the collaboration of community partners and the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education, Take Back the Night Detroit is now held on Wayne State’s campus.  

This year’s event was a cross-campus and cross-community collaboration, partnering with organizations such as the WSU Dean of Students Office, the WSU Center for Gender & Sexuality, the Delta Research and Educational Foundation, SASHA Center, and the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.  

Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, Laurie M. Lauzon Clabo, Ph.D., said at the event that ending sexual assault requires a community-wide effort. 

“As part of Wayne State’s deep engagement with our community, we are privileged to be a part of Take Back The Night Detroit and its broader mission to end all forms of sexual violence and to support survivors in their healing journeys,” said Provost Clabo. “We must work to create real progress in preventing sexual violence on campus—and throughout the community.” 

Echoing the theme, “Together We Act, United We Change,” for this year’s National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is observed every April, Take Back the Night Detroit emphasizes the importance of communities working together to end sexual abuse, assault and harassment. According to data from Take Back the Night, one in three women and one in six men worldwide experience some form of sexual violence or intimate partner violence. Women ages 18-24 are at an elevated risk of that violence, and that risk is even higher for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

To help lead the charge for change on campus, Wayne State created the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education (OSVPE) in 2022. OSVPE provides advocacy, crisis intervention, and peer support to WSU students as well as education, prevention, and awareness to the entire WSU community.  

“Domestic violence is not only a private issue — it’s a community issue,” said Larmender Davis, Director of OSVPE. “Our campus has a responsibility to raise awareness and provide resources to those impacted by intimate partner violence. We encourage the entire Wayne State University community to participate in these events and help raise awareness about domestic violence, to co-create a safer campus for all.” 

While OSVPE continues to raise awareness during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, their robust services are available year-round. Later this month, OSVPE will be announcing a new partnership that will unlock training and education services for the whole WSU community for the next two years. Stay tuned for more information.  

For those looking for services and support, contact OSVPE by phone (313-577-9220) or email at OSVPE@wayne.edu to schedule an appointment and meet with an advocate. OSVPE is located in the Student Center in Room 652. Learn more about their support and services. The Title IX office is also available to help file complaints or reports, answer questions and give support.