Take Back the Night 2011

The Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay presented Take Back the Night last night in Hyde Park Village.

I arrived as they were honoring Rita Peters, Chief of Sex Crimes for the District Attorney’s office. She gave an emotional speech about wearing her heart on her sleeve as she helps victims of abuse win their cases with a 96% success rate. 

I was very happy to get a few moments with Tampa PD Chief Jane Castor. 

As I reported previously, 1 in 6 women are victims of sexual violence, as are 1 in 33 men. 

Clotheslines of shirts hung around the park with messages from victims to their attackers, and in memoriam of women whose lives were lost. 

High Hopes in High Heels board member Laura Fontanills was one of many community volunteers who came out in support of the cause. 

When Home Isn't Where the Heart Is Anymore

Florida Governor Charlie Crist released a statement last week regarding the new crime statistics in the state. Overall, crime has decreased across the board, except for domestic violence which has seen an increase of 3%.

Joanne Lighter, the Executive Director of the Spring of Tampa Bay, sent me more stats via email to further spotlight the issue:

Domestic Violence (DV) murder is up 15.6%. DV manslaughter is up 71.4%. DV stalking is up 31%. And 40% of all violent crimes were DV-related. 1/5 of all murders were DV related.

"Fewer couples are getting divorced," Lighter said, citing a reason for the spike in violence. She told me this week that 15 domestic abuse-related homicides have occurred in Hillsborough County since last July.

In a similar vein, tomorrow night there's an event in Hyde Park Village called Take Back the Night, sponsored in part by the Spring, the Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay (211!), and the Family Justice Center.

It's for survivors of sexual violence and abuse, as well as their loved ones, or even if you're seeking more information and want to be a part of the cause. After all, someone you know has most likely been affected. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) 1 in 6 women & 1 in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Sad, sad stats.