Central Montana Times

The University of Providence, in collaboration with Healthy Colleges Montana (HCM), is set to host its inaugural Light the Night candlelight vigil in Great Falls, Montana. The event, aimed at honoring victims and survivors of sexual assault, will take place on April 10, coinciding with Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

At the vigil, HCM student leaders will provide attendees with information and resources. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), over 90% of sexual assaults remain unreported. Also highlighted by the NSVRC is the statistic showing that among college women, most victims know their perpetrators.

Nikki Lewis-Clark, Campus Advocate Counselor for the University of Providence, stated, "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."

Statistics from the NSVRC also reveal that one in three women and one in four men will experience some form of physical sexual violence in their lifetime.

The vigil welcomes attendance from university faculty, staff, students, and families. It is scheduled for 8 PM at Providence Plaza, in front of the Student Center.

Joel Bluml, Vice President of Student Engagement Athletics at UP, expressed pride in the efforts to create awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. He remarked, "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."