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South Tucson's Take Back the Night brings awareness to sexual assault

“The Truth About Teal" is theme this year
Posted at 9:59 AM, Apr 18, 2022
and last updated 2022-04-20 11:49:05-04

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) inited the South Tucson community to gather on Tuesday for a Take Back the Night event focused on sexual assault awareness.

South Tucson Mayor Bob Teso read a proclamation at the YWCA’s The House of Neighborly Services, 243 W 33rd St in support of increased awareness.

RELATED: Sexual assault survivors share their stories at annual event in South Tucson

South Tucson Mayor Bob Teso on sexual assault awareness

Program Manager with the SAAF Carrie Eutizi says the event is a community resource fair with youth activities.

The evening programming featured:

  • Mayor Teso's proclamation
  • “Survivor Speak Out” sessions
  • Community artist performances

This year's theme "The Truth About Teal" addressed myths and truths about sexual violence with a goal of raising awareness.

RELATED: Free self-defense classes offered for LGBTQ community at Tucson martial arts school

Take Back the Night supports sexual assault victims

It also aimed at supporting those who have survived rape and other forms of sexual assault.

The following groups plan on attending or are involved:

  • University of Arizona Consortium on Gender-based Violence
  • YWCA Southern Arizona
  • Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault
  • Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation
  • Arizona Youth Partnership’s Starting Out Right Program
  • Tohono O’odham Community College
  • University of Arizona Southwest Institute for Research on Women
  • Culture of Peace Alliance
  • Homicide Survivors
  • Tucson Youth and Peace
  • ThinkSafe Seminars
  • Goodwill Metro/REC
  • PPEP, Inc.
  • STOPIT coalition
  • D-W McGarrity
  • Pascua Yaqui Survivor Advocate Team
  • University of Arizona Survivor Advocate Team
Take Back the Night kicks off in South Tucson

Not only does Take Back the Night encourage people to speak out against sexual violence, but it also helps survivors advocate to lower sex-crime incidents.

RELATED: Banner University helps dozens of sexual assault survivors with new program

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Caleb Fernández is a digital content producer for KGUN 9. After earning his bachelor's degree from Penn State in Advertising/Public Relations, Caleb went to New York where he learned production assistance, photography and art direction. Share your story ideas and important issues with Caleb by emailing caleb.fernandez@kgun9.com or by connecting on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.