FOR RELEASE: 4-8-25
GREAT FALLS, MONTANA – The University of Providence and Healthy Colleges Montana (HCM) will hold its first Light the Night candlelight vigil to honor sexual assault victims and survivors on Thursday, April 10.
With April marked as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, HCM student leaders will provide information and resources to those in attendance. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), more than 90-percent of sexual assaults go unreported. Among college women, nine out of 10 victims of rape and sexual assault know their offender.
“Our goal is to empower survivors as well as foster prevention efforts. UP promotes a culture of respect and consent as we create a safer campus and community. We want survivors to know that they are not alone and that their experiences are valid. By educating students about consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention, we can create a culture where sexual violence is less likely to occur,” said Nikki Lewis-Clark, Campus Advocate Counselor for UP.
The NSVRC goes on to say one in three women and one in four men will experience some form of physical sexual violence during their lifetime.
University faculty, staff, students, and families are welcome to attend the vigil. It will start at 8pm at Providence Plaza, in front of the Student Center.
“I am proud to see our HCM crew and Campus Ministry team collaborating to create awareness of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Unfortunately, far too many people experience the negative effects of sexual assault. It is extremely important to support survivors and advocate for systemic change in an effort to reduce sexual violence in our communities,” said Joel Bluml, VP of Student Engagement Athletics at UP.
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