Filmmaker, app developer to speak at Take Back the Night

Nancy Schwartzman, a documentary filmmaker and the co-creator of the nationally recognized “Circle of 6” phone app, will deliver the keynote address at Take Back the Night, an annual UofL event that raises awareness about violence against women. September 18, 2012

Take Back the Night will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 outside of the Red Barn on Belknap Campus. Admission is free and open to the public.

Schwartzman co-developed the “Circle of 6” free phone app, which won the 2011 Health and Human Services/White House Apps against Abuse Challenge. The app allows users to discreetly alert a circle of friends with prewritten messages like “call and pretend you need me, I need an interruption” and “come and get me, I need help going home safely.” The app also gives a GPS location so the user can be found if needed.

Besides Schwartzman’s keynote address, Take Back the Night activities will include:

  • Speak-out Session, a candlelight vigil and march around campus
  • Remarks by UofL Provost Shirley Willihnganz; Derek Terry of the Community Empowerment Center; and Kathleen Kelly of the Center for Women and Families. Angie Fenton of the Voice-Tribune will be the master of ceremonies.
  • Recognition of the Green Dot She-Ro award and the Mayor’s Award
  • Performance by Cardinals for the Appreciation of Musical Theater
  • Promotion of the Green Dot Campaign, a pledge drive to end violence

There will be a screening and discussion of Schwartzman’s documentary “The Line” in the Floyd Theatre, Swain Student Activities Center at 2:30 p.m. The film documents Schwartzman’s experience after being sexually assaulted.

Prevention, Education and Advocacy on Campus and in the Community (PEACC) sponsors Take Back the Night. PEACC provides support to UofL students, staff and faculty who are affected by dating or domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and harassment. It is one of the final events in UofL’s Week without Violence (opens as PDF).