Take Back the Night March and Candlelight Vigil Tuesday in Oneonta

To highlight events related to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Violence Intervention Program of Opportunities for Otsego is holding its annual Take Back the Night March today.

The event begins at 6:30PM in front of the Milne Library on the SUNY Oneonta campus. After a short presentation, marchers will proceed through the city.

The march will convene at Kim Muller Plaza, at approximately 7:30PM, for a candlelight vigil honoring victims of crime and special recognition of Sarah Purdy, Otsego County Child Protective Services worker, for her dedication to supporting child victims of sexual abuse. Additional event features: refreshments, live music by Hooked on Tonics, and a drawing for an iPad. The public is invited to attend this free event.

The 2012 Take Back the Night March is a partnership between the Violence Intervention Program of Opportunities for Otsego, SUNY Oneonta PAIRS, Hartwick College Sexual Assault Awareness Committee, and Planned Parenthood of south central New York.

Take Back the Night encourages women and men to recognize and challenge different types of violence in their own community including rape, sexual violence, and domestic violence. The core message of Take Back the Night is the assertion that all human beings have the right to be free from violence, the right to be heard, and the right to reclaim those rights if they have been violated.

About the Violence Intervention Program: VIP provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and violent crimes so they may realize safety, self-determination, self-worth, and live free from abuse and oppression. VIP provides 24-hour, 7 day a week access to support for primary and secondary victims of violence via its crisis hotline (607.432.4855).