Levy Recognition had the honor of experiencing the 11th annual “Take Back the Night” event on April 21, 2013, at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. It was a day filled with the color teal to support all of the victims from sexual and domestic violence and to let them know they are not alone. This event is put on by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in collaboration with the Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay.
This event creates awareness, empowers survivors and educates the community about sexual violence. Marilyn Shamblin, the event coordinator and a survivor herself said, “This is a way that as a community we can say not in our backyard and we support survivors, it’s the opportunity for survivors to see that they’re not alone, that there is hope and that there can be freedom from suffering from sexual violence.”
Every corner of this event had a heart-filled story to tell with the clothesline project that hung from one side of the park to another. Each shirt is filled with a survivor’s message either to others, or their own abuser. Vendors filled the park to make our community aware that there is hope and help for those affected by sexual violence. The community came together along with live bands and activities to release stress to be as one at TBTN 2013; a day to remember.
Chief Jane Castor, a 29 year Tampa Police officer has built a reputation for working side by side with citizens, neighborhood leaders, activists, and business owners to solve crime problems and improve our community. She was presented the honor of being the recipient of the 2013 Charlie Hounchell Community Advocate Award, sponsored by Levy, for her extraordinary leadership to end sexual violence.
Levy would like to congratulate Chief Jane Castor on her achievements for this wonderful cause and thank the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in collaboration with the Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay for allowing us the honor to be part of such a great cause.
For more information on Take Back the Night, Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay, or Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, please visit http://www.facebook.com/CrisisCenterofTampaBay,http://www.svtftampabay.com/, http://www.crisiscenter.com/