The Alliance for Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP) held their annual Take Back the Night Rally on October 28 on the DUC terrace.
Attendees included everyone from professors to non-Emory students, boys in frat tanks to student athletes, and even President James Wagner, with spectators far exceeding the available seating.
ASAP, in conjunction with SAPA (Sexual Assault Peer Advocates), planned the event with trust in the attendees to maintain the privacy of the stories shared. While several volunteers read anonymous accounts, a number of survivors spoke candidly of their own experiences. Eye-opening and emotional, it was impossible to leave the rally without a changed perspective on sexual violence.
The main objective of the night was awareness: sexual assault can happen on a college campus. As ASAP co-president Leah Regenbaum explained, this isn’t a “stranger in a dark alley” type of issue – most of the time, victims know their perpetrator. Because of this, we must be cautious and aware; bystanders have the potential to make an impact.
While all students should know to step into situations that seem suspicious, Emory’s Respect Program has an option for greater learning. SAPA training teaches students how to respond and support survivors with the proper resources. Trainees learn what to say, what not to say, and acquire the necessary skills to help others in these difficult situations. Anyone can become an advocate, and everyone can uphold ASAP’s promise to bring an end to sexual violence and eliminate rape culture.
Along with becoming SAPA trained, students can attend ASAP’s general body meetings every other Monday in DUC E332 at 6 pm. There will also be more events coming up this semester, so make sure to visit ASAP’s page at facebook.com/asapemory to stay informed.