Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Students marched throughout The University of Illinois Springfield Campus Friday evening as part of Take Back the Night, an event put on by UIS’s Women’s Center, to raise awareness about sexual violence and to give students an opportunity to express themselves as survivors and allies. An indoor rally held after the march, featured an open mic event where students, faculty and staff in attendance shared stories, poetry and messages of solidarity.

Also in attendance were representatives from local resources available to victims.

Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault their 24-hour hotline number is 217 753-8081.

Sojourn Shelter and Services their 24-hour hotline number is 217-726-5200.