ELYSE GRIECO
Life & Arts Editor
Fredonia Feminists will be hosting “Take Back The Night” this Wednesday, Nov. 7.
“Take Back The Night” is a confidential event where victims and survivors of sexual assault are welcomed to come share their stories with one another in a safe environment.
Opal Kelly is a junior psychology major and president of Fredonia Feminists.
“Fredonia Feminists is an intersectional club that discusses and educates on a wide variety of topics related to feminism,” they said.
During the year, the club holds several events in efforts to bring awareness of sexual assault to campus.
According to The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), “20 percent to 25 percent of college women and 15 percent of college men are victims of forced sex during their time in college.”
“College students are at an elevated risk of being sexually assaulted,” said Kelly. “Many people don’t report their assaults to police or counselors. This event is here to give victims and survivors an outlet, while also letting them know where they can go, what they can do and who they can talk to when an assault occurs.”
“It’s such a valuable night to so many people to find a safe space to not only share their stories, but to also connect with others,” said Julie Shapiro, a senior BFA musical theater major. “It’s such a powerful thing to be able to go through something so traumatic and have other people holding you up.”
Shapiro is also a member of Students Teaching Equal Positive Sexuality (S.T.E.P.S.).
Like Fredonia Feminists, S.T.E.P.S. presents on topics like healthy and unhealthy relationships as well as sexual assault.
“You are not alone,” said Shapiro. “So many people have, unfortunately, gone through the same thing. There are so many survivors, and it’s empowering . . . it gives people hope that there will be a better world. If we all come together, we can all combat it.”
Not all sexual assault survivors cope in the same ways.
Some victims share their stories to the public to help further educate on the topic.
Others may feel more comfortable keeping their experiences to themselves or their close friends and family.
“It is never the victim’s fault. However they want to go about healing is entirely okay and valid,” said Shapiro.
There are no set rules when it comes to dealing with assault.
“No one knows what you are dealing with but you. Do not let anyone tell you what you’re supposed to do after an assault. It is your choice,” said Kelly.
Fredonia Feminists wants survivors to know that their e-board is readily available to anyone who needs help recovering in a way that is comfortable for them.
However, if a victim wants to share their story, “Take Back The Night” is available to them.
It is just one way that the club ensures that they are there, they trust the victim’s stories and they are ready to support them.
The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. in McEwen 202.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their assault, please visit www.nsvrc.org.