VALDOSTA — Believing that no one should fear the night, or the day, Valdosta State University will Take Back the Night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, in the Student Union Ballroom. 

Faculty, staff, students, retirees, alumni, and friends of the university are invited to attend and “help shatter the silence and stop the violence,” according to a VSU press release.

Take Back the Night will feature a keynote address by Dr. Jessica Houston, a licensed master social worker and transformational leader with “a passion for helping others live an abundant and satisfying life, despite any obstacles they may encounter. She is dedicated to helping others maximize their potential, realize their personal and professional goals, and begin living their best lives now,” according to the press release. 

“She has personally overcome poverty, depression, low self-confidence, and intimate partner violence, and as a nationally recognized speaker, she is known for her marked transparency and for being straightforward about her past.”

She is the author of “Women’s Secrets: It’s Time to Stop Suffering in Silence” and founder of Expecting Victory, a website devoted to educating, encouraging, and empowering the masses. 

“Ms. Houston has had various experiences that many of our students can relate to,” said Dr. Bobbie Ticknor, a faculty member in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice and one of the event organizers. “Not only has she battled with poverty, mental illness, and domestic violence, but she has also had to overcome being sexually victimized. Hearing her story reminds people that they are not alone and they don’t have to suffer in silence. 

“This can also be an important discussion for those who have not personally been touched by these issues. We all carry our own experiences and you never know what someone is going through. Learning more about these issues can help foster an environment of openness and caring. It is our hope that this event will encourage more discussion and help our community know what resources are available to them here at VSU.”

During the evening, attendees will also enjoy a screening of Jacobe Love’s “Loco-Motives,” which won the Take Back the Night Short Film Challenge. Students across campus were invited to submit a 10- to 15-minute short film about sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse, or a related topic, with the winner receiving $250.