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Yuliya Kostromitina, left, a junior in history creates a poster for "Take Back the Night" on Wednesday evening. The event was part of OSU's Sexual Assault Awareness Week.

Many gather to stop sexual violence

Women and men march at 'Take Back the Night' in hopes of spreading awareness

By: Jennifer Meyer

Posted: 4/19/07

Laughter, anger, tears, memories and a common belief were shared Wednesday night on the steps of the MU, where a group of women and a few men gathered together to take back the night.

Take Back the Night at OSU is just one of many events taking place during Sexual Assault Awareness week.

This week is set aside to raise awareness of a worldwide issue that affect both women and men. The vigil was an opportunity for stories to be shared, people to take action, and to raise awareness the impact of sexual assault carries.

"One thing I'd want every survivor to know is that there are people here that will believe you and will support you," said Carrie Giese, sexual violence prevention and education coordinator.

The issue of sexual assault can be sensitive for people to talk openly about and OSU staff and students recognize this issue and take it very seriously. The Public Health and Promotion services is providing the chance for members of the community to participate in events taking place all week, the vigil being one such event.

Giese said to her, last night's event it was a symbol of the "empowerment of women, both survivors and allies."

After performances by Divine, Outspoken and the Diverse Individuals Making Entertainment Squad, a few guest speakers addressed the gathered crowd and joined them on a march around Corvallis, which started at the MU Quad and ended at the Women Center.

"This is just one night, a starting point for starting change, really we need to take action on a daily basis to end violence," Giese said.

Amanda Meeker, an ASOSU public health promotion coordinator, said that people had been planning the event since November.

"After tonight I hope that they'll realize sexual assault is a tragic experience and if we all stand united, we can help it," Meeker said.

Many people at the event shared that sexual assault is not just a women's issue.

"Until men start standing up and making their voices heard against sexual violence, nothing will change," Meeker said.

There are several opportunities for men to show support for this issue.

"Women can scream at the top of their voice, but until men start to scream with their top voices, no one will hear ... when we stand together we can make our voices heard," Meeker said.

Amy Leer, an instructor in the women studies department, shared her personal story about taking back the night.

"What we do here tonight is that simple, that difficult and that important," Leer said.

People attended the event to take action in breaking the silence surrounding sexual violence.

"It is important to recognize sexual terrorism and the normalization of male violence," Leer said.

Taking Back the Night began in Belgium and Rome in the 1970s to protest the treatment of women in war-zones and in post-war environments.

The event has now spread across our nation and is practiced at various institutions around the world.

"It's disappointing more people don't show up to fight violence against women and it's irresponsible for the OSU community and larger Corvallis to not attend and support events like this," Leer said.

Attendants signed their hand prints, memorialized victims, attended meetings and luncheons to learn more about sexual violence, and to support women in taking back the night.