April 5, 2012 — The first documented "Take Back the Night" event in the U.S. – when women stood up and spoke out against sexual violence – took place in October 1975 in Philadelphia. Thirty-seven years later, the rallies and vigils continue to be held annually at the University of Virginia, nationally and even internationally.

April 16 through 20 is designated Take Back the Night Week at the University, featuring daily events that aim to end the silence about dating sexual violence – and to end the violence.

In addition, members of the U.Va. and Charlottesville communities will participate in a march and rally April 19, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion, moving down the Downtown Mall and West Main Street to U.Va.'s McIntire Amphitheater for a "Survivors' Speak-out."

Here is a list of the events, which are free and open to the public, organized by the U.Va. Office of Sexual and Domestic Violence Services and student groups including Feminism Is for Everyone and the Sexual Assault Leadership Council. Check back to the Take Back the Night website for updates on events.

• Panel discussion: How To Date a Survivor
April 16, 7-8 p.m., Newcomb Hall Kaleidoscope room

• Self-Defense workshop
April 17, 7-9 p.m., Maury Hall, room 209

• Poetry Slam
April 17, 8 p.m., Para Coffee shop, Elliewood Avenue

• Sexual Assault Board Mock Trial
April 18, 7:00 p.m., Minor Hall, room 125

• Take Back the Night March and Rally
April 19, 6:30-10 p.m., nTelos Wireless Pavilion and McIntire Amphitheater
The annual march and rally will start at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion, moving down the Downtown Mall and West Main Street to U.Va.'s McIntire Amphitheater, arriving at about 8 pm. for a "Survivors' Speak-out."

• Drop-in Counseling
April 20, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Women's Center

— by Anne Bromley