[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 131 (Monday, September 15, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       UNLV'S TAKE BACK THE NIGHT

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 21st annual 
Take Back the Night event at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, UNLV.
  The event is one of UNLV's oldest traditions. Hosted by the wonderful 
Jean Nidetch Women's Center, this event has done an amazing job of 
raising awareness about sexual assault and other forms of interpersonal 
violence including dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. 
Take Back the Night is a worldwide event, and UNLV's branch has 
received numerous awards over the years. For instance, 2 years ago, as 
well as this year, the UNLV branch won the ``Outstanding Collaborative 
Program'' award; and in 2008, it won the ``Outstanding Annual Program/
Tradition'' award.
  Research has shown that college age women are at the highest risk for 
all forms of violence. According to the recent report released by the 
White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault, the 
risk of sexual assault is 4 times higher for women ages 16 to 24 than 
any other population group. One assessment showed that more than one-
half of the campus population knows at least two people who have been 
victims of sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, or stalking. 
Programs and events such as Take Back the Night importantly help 
provide survivors and victims with information about the services and 
options available to them.
   The Jean Nidetch Women's Center has made Take Back the Night a 
capstone annual event at UNLV to give victims and survivors a place to 
seek advocacy and assistance. The center hosts public events in hopes 
of engaging students who may not otherwise seek help. It is an 
exceptional resource for a crucial issue that harms our society and 
campuses not only in Nevada, but around the country.
  I commend the Jean Nidetch Women's Center and the entire UNLV campus 
for their commitment and dedication, and I look forward to learning 
about their future contributions to this important issue.

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