Tanya Brown will 'Take Back the Night'

It has been ten years since O.J. Simpson was cleared on murder charges, but one of those involved in the case will be visiting UND to talk about domestic violence. On Thursday, Tanya Brown, sister of Nicole Brown Simpson, will speak as part of the annual Take Back the Night Rally.

According to Laura Frisch of the Community Violence Intervention Center, Brown will be sharing the story of her late sister's secret abuse by her husband O.J. Simpson and presenting the hidden dangers of abusive relationships, as well as some "red flags" to watch for. Brown delivers these educational presentations to law enforcement, schools, universities, non-profits and other organizations each year.

Brown was inspired to educate communities after the death of her sister. Nicole Brown Simpson and a friend, Ronald Goldman, were murdered on June 12, 1994. It was only then that the family found a safety deposit box in which Nicole had documented 17 years of verbal and physical abuse from her husband.

Frisch says Brown will be speaking at UND, as well as Mayville State University, Lake Region State College and the North Dakota State College of Science as part of ND WEAV - North Dakotans in Education Against Violence.

"We all kind of worked together to bring her here," Frisch said.

After the presentation, the rally will conclude with a march down University Ave. to symbolize that everyone must work together to end violence and make the community safe.

Also throughout this week, the Clothesline Project will be on display in the Memorial Union Ballroom. T-shirts made by or in memory of survivors of domestic abuse will be on display.

"It's so moving to take in those shirts," Frisch said.

The "Take Back the Night" Rally and March will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Memorial Union Ballroom. The event is free and open to the public. The Clothesline Project is open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.