The St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center and the Chat-A-While Social and Civic Club of Eunice will hold a Take Back the Night March and Vigil at 6 p.m. Monday starting at the Eunice City Hall.
Take Back the Night will draw attention to critical issues of sexual assault and domestic violence in the community, stated a news release.
In the last year alone, St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center noted 39 reported incidences of sexual assault. In addition, there were 11 deaths collectively in Acadiana resulting from domestic violence. The news release stated two domestic violence deaths occurred in St. Landry Parish: On March 12, John R. Gautreaux was found murdered at his residence by a companion; and Grace Noel, 70, was found murdered in her home by her companion on March 23.
Participants will march down Park Avenue around Circle Park, then head back to Eunice City Hall. A program will begin and end with the lighting of the candles for all deceased victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
There will be vendors from various organizations that will be handing out information concerning violence prevention.
Community members, students, church groups are invited to attend.
The Chat-A-While Social and Civic Club was established in 1960 and was chartered on Dec. 31, 1978. The club’s mission is to encourage, promote, advance and conduct social, civic, charitable, and other non-profit activities for the betterment of the community.
The St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Foundation was chartered as a non-profit agency in January 1980 to ensure that all sexually assaulted persons can receive services in their community. The St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center offers short-term comprehensive counseling to survivors and their families at no cost, provide medical advocacy and court accompaniment, and intervention and prevention education to the community. Anyone needing their services are asked to call the Crisis Hotline at 337-585-4673.
For more information, call 337-585-4673 or any member of the Chat-A-While Social and Civic Club.
