News Article

Starting Tuesday, Oct. 24, Gonzaga University will spend three days addressing the issue of violence against women culminating with a Take Back the Night rally, march and keynote address planned for Thursday (Oct. 26) featuring former exotic dancer Kimberly Drake.

Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession recently proclaimed October to be Domestic Violence Prevention Month in the city, and Gonzaga will address the issue of crimes against women with several educational and emotional events.

On Tuesday, Debbie DuPey will present a video from the U.S. Department of Justice on sex trafficking at 7 p.m., in the Globe Room of Cataldo Hall, and field questions.

Wednesday (Oct. 25) will feature a panel discussion on “Deconstructing Violence Against Women” at 7 p.m., in the Wolff Auditorium at the Jepson Center. GU faculty and staff panelists will speak from their experiences and expertise about the causes and effects of this problem. Panelists include GU’s attorney, campus security, and faculty from disciplines of sociology, women’s studies, philosophy, and law.

Culminating the events, on Thursday will be the Take Back the Night rally, keynote speaker, Speak Out event, and a candlelight march. Events begin at 7 p.m. in the Globe Room of Cataldo Hall with a keynote address from Kimberly Drake, a former exotic dancer. Drake now speaks out about the culture of sex saturation so prevalent in our society. She will pose the question, “How can we consume toxic messages and expect beauty to come out in our relationships?” Drake, who has been praised for her appearances at Baylor University in Texas, and Kent State University in Ohio, travels nationwide speaking on women’s issues, particularly the role that media play in promoting sex, and some of the cultural attitudes contributing to the problem. Immediately following Drake’s presentation will be the opportunity to “Speak Out,” in which survivors, friends, and supporters of victims of violence against women will share. (Media will be asked to leave then at the request of organizers to create a safe space to talk.)

Take Back the Night began in 1976 and is now celebrated nationwide. GU student organizers Sarah Dargus and Mary Moynihan hope to help raise public awareness of the threat of violence against women. “Take Back the Night is an important way to bring visibility to the issue of sexual assault on college campuses,” said Theresa Schinzel, GU’s sexual assault prevention coordinator. For more information, contact Schinzel at (509) 323-5566, 991-4510 or via e-mail.