ELIZABETH SUSKI
Special to The Leader
Have you ever wanted to tell your story, but were scared to?
Well, a group on campus can help you share it with an event they hold.
“Take Back the Night” is an event that the Fredonia Feminists host every fall semester.
The club is an alliance on campus that was formed with the goal of promoting intersectional feminism and raising awareness for societal injustices.
Some of their other events include the Slut Walk, Femmes to the Front and other various events that take place in March, which is “Herstory” month.
“Take Back the Night” is a somber-toned event for survivors of rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse to come and share their stories in a safe, supportive and confidential environment.
“This event is important, because survivors of sexual abuse and assault need accepting and supportive spaces like these to share their stories since they may not be shown support in other spaces,” said Allyson Pfeil, a junior biology adolescence education major.
Pfeil is the president of Fredonia Feminists.
“My favorite thing about this event is the comfort and courage it builds in those that could have previously been sworn to silence,” said Kelly Tyrpak, a junior English major with minors in creative writing and communication.
This year, Julie Bezek from the Counseling Center will be speaking at the beginning of the event to talk about tools the Counseling Center offers and the options for sexual assault victims on campus.
“This event is important to me, because while I myself am not a survivor of sexual assault, many people who I care about are, and I think it’s important that they are listened to, believed and supported,” said Pfeil.
“With ‘Take Back the Night,’ you are able to hear these stories and support and comfort the victims and survivors. I believe events like these can make all of us stronger and bond us together,” said Tyrpak.
“Take Back the Night” takes place this Friday, Nov. 7 in McEwen 202 at 8 p.m.