On Thursday, the University of Wyoming hosted an s event to raise awareness and show a commitment to ending sexual violence. Starting in the 1970s, the Take Back the Night event is the oldest worldwide event against sexual violence.
Due to nonpermitting weather on Thursday evening, the march was moved from Prexy’s Pasture to the Union Ballroom, where SAFE Project gave their opening remarks about the event, and survivors could share their stories.
“It can be powerful to hear stories and heal for some survivors to share their experiences with others, but everyone is different – survivors are brave no matter if they share their stories or not,” Michelle DiPasquale, Violence Prevention Program Manager said.
“I attended a Take Back the Night at my undergrad institution and still vividly remember it. I was so moved by the stories so many survivors shared and by the support for those in attendance.”
According to SAFE Project, one in five students will experience sexual assault at UW. Most of these students will never discuss their experiences. Take Back the Night is an opportunity for these students to do so.
“The Take Back the Night event means that our stories have meaning. Although we should never have been violated, we can take power from it and change how people feel unsafe. It’s important for survivors’ voices to be heard because we are the ones that carry the burden of rape culture. By allowing us to share our stories, we take power away from rape culture,” Student Survivor Group President Jenna Hoobler said.
“This was the first time I spoke to a group of people about my story. I’ve shared it many times in the Student Survivor Group and with friends, but I said his name publicly for the first time. It was scary to speak about it felt so good! I felt like a weight had been taken from my chest, and the support from people in the room was unmatched.”
“Take Back the Night honors the historic 1970 Stand of those who first advocated for the central right of women to walk alone, without fear of being raped, harassed or otherwise harmed. Today we recognize sexual violence and harassment can happen anywhere to anyone,” SAFE Project Campus Services Coordinator Dakota Metzger said.
“The original name, Take Back the Night, is kept to carry on the bold and daring spirit of those who paved the way we continue to move forward in the future—committed to ending sexual violence for all people of all sexual and gender identities, races, ethnicities, nationalities, religious beliefs, ages, abilities and statuses.”
“Take Back the Night” received its name for advocating for women to feel safe walking alone at night without the fear of being harassed or sexually assaulted.
In 1973, a group of women at the University of Southern Florida dressed in black sheets while holding broomsticks and marched to the campus demanding a women’s center in 1975. A large crowd in Philadelphia staged a Take Back the Night event to protest the murder of a microbiologist walking home after work.
These early protests sparked thousands of events on college campuses and in global communities of all sizes, from remote Canadian towns to Laramie, Wyoming. From Ivy League colleges to military bases, each working to end sexual violence and support victims.
If you or someone you know needs help, confidential support related to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, family abuse, and/or stalking is available through SAFE Project at (307) 745-3556.
