This week, John Carroll University has been celebrating Take Back the Night 2016 on campus. The Violence Protection and Action Center partnered with the Take Back the Night organization on campus to provide a variety of different events including: a viewing of the hunting ground, a bystanders education lecture, a “survivor speak out,” and culminated in the final event ‘Take a Stance and Dance.’ Almost every day we have had an event on campus to bring awareness to the cause. But, when I was a freshman I didn’t really know what “the cause” actually was. I didn’t really feel like I could ask anyone. Everyone already seemed to know! So, I’ll try to save you the Google search I needed freshman year.
Take Back the Night has been in existence for over half a century. It initially started in Europe, and it eventually made its way to the United States. According to their website, the TBTN foundation’s mission is, “To create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives. We seek to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence.” Take Back the Night strives to educate the public through art, media, and peaceful demonstrations and protests. In addition to education, they also raise money for survivors. Many universities and organizations have run with this mission, and hundreds of places around the world have held events to bring more support for the cause.
So, why does this matter to us? Well, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network every 107 seconds another American has been sexually assaulted and 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. This is even more pertinent for us as college aged individuals because approximately 80% of victims are under the age of 30. As many of us know, sexual assault is rampant on college campuses. The perceived lack of accountability paired with alcohol makes rape and assault seem to minimize the consequences to potential offenders. How could they ever be caught? Or, worse yet society and our sexual education has failed us–what if these offenders (male and female) don’t realize that their actions amount to sexual assault or rape?
I am proud to go to a school that supports this foundation. In its essence, Take Back the Night gives a voice to the voiceless and solidifies the message that survivors are not alone. Seeing the overwhelming support for this cause on a college campus is comforting. I know that every year this event is held we are taking steps forward to holding people accountable for their actions and providing a safe space for survivors.
So, here’s a shout out to the Take Back the Night organization on campus, as well as the Violence Prevention and Action Center, Love Doesn’t Shove, and all the students that were involved in making this all possible. Thank you for helping our school become a safe space and educating our community about this pressing issue!