MEGHAN GUATTERY
Staff Writer
In a dimly lit lecture hall in McEwen Hall, students and faculty joined together against sexual and domestic violence for Take Back the Night.
“One out of every three same-sex relationships has experienced domestic violence,” Amanda Pruden, president of Pride Alliance and senior women’s and gender studies and public relations double major, addressed the crowd at last Tuesday’s event. “More than 60 percent of transgender individuals will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. Specifically, about 68 percent of transwomen will be raped. Approximately one in eight lesbian women and about 50 percent of bisexual women will experience rape in their lifetime. Nearly half of bisexual men and approximately four in ten gay men will experience sexual violence other than rape in their lifetime.”
Pruden’s statistics regarding sexual and domestic violence in the queer community left the audience in shock. Silence fell across the room as she concluded her presentation.
Take Back the Night was one of many events throughout the month of October that groups on campus held to focus on domestic and sexual violence for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The event is hosted annually by Women’s Student Union, and sponsored by Students Teaching Equals Positive Sexuality (STEPS) and Campus Education Awareness Support and Effect (CEASE). This year was the first that it featured co-sponsorship by Latinos Unidos, Hillel, the Black Student Union, Pride Alliance and the Native American Student Union. Pride Alliance, STEPS and CEASE gave presentations at the event.
“All of these groups come together for this event to show that this violence is not just a women’s issue,” said senior English and women’s and gender studies double major and WSU President Courtney Loiacono. “It is a societal issue that can only be ended if we work together.”
The event originated when a group of women from several European countries came together as a council to discuss women’s safety while walking down public streets. The nonprofit organization first started holding events in America in the late 1960s.
Colleges, domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers now register their events with the foundation to bring awareness to sexual and domestic violence.
“While a lot of good things have been happening as a whole in terms of policy changes, it’s still important for us to provide a space specifically for survivors to share their stories,” said Loiacono. “Take Back the Night is one of the events where we really focus on Fredonia students and Fredonia as a community. We create a safe space for survivors to bear witness to their experiences with sexual and domestic violence.”
Julie Bezek, coordinator of CEASE, also presented at the event to reinforce the program’s confidential advocacy services for Fredonia students. CEASE assists students who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, stalking and harassment.
“We don’t tell students what to do,” said Bezek. “But rather we provide students what the available options and resources are to them and help guide them through the process, whether it be medical, legal, judicial, social, academic or housing.”
Bezek stayed throughout the event to offer her services to those that needed them.
STEPS was the final group to present for the night.
“When I heard all of these stories I was so overwhelmed. In high school you don’t hear these stories as frequently or at all,” said senior public relations and sociology double major and STEPS publicity chair Krista Lutz. “It brings so much awareness and awareness to people who have been sheltered from this.”
STEPS performed a 12-minute skit that focused on sexual assault, coercion and acquaintance rape, and incorporated the use of alcohol as a date rape drug.
“Sexual assault and domestic violence affects all walks of life,” said Pruden. “There is no universal story for survivors of these types of violence. Take Back the Night is an opportunity to hear how different each story is and provides a safe space for all survivors to share, and everyone is given the opportunity to have their voices heard.”
With the conclusion of the opening presentations, Loiacono took her place at the front of the room and invited survivors of domestic violence to share their stories.
“Tonight we are here to listen to your stories and provide you with support – to show you that Fredonia is here and we care for you,” she said.
Blank stares crossed the room as the participants waited to see who would share their story first. For the next two hours, student after student rose from their seats and walked to the front of the silent room.
There were stories of survival accompanied by tears and followed by warm embraces.
The room was somber, with the stories of loss.
Many stories aligned, as victims connected through their mutual feelings, and participants applauded with courage.
Once the final survivor’s story came to an end, a room full of tear-stained cheeks began a march on campus. The participants grabbed their Take Back the Night banners, homemade signs and candles and worked their way out of the building.
As the seemingly endless trail of students and faculty members headed towards University Commons (UC), word of “People unite, Take Back the Night!” echoed throughout the campus.
After arriving at UC, the group headed towards the Peace Pole in front of Mason Hall.
“Whatever we wear, wherever we go, ‘yes’ means ‘yes’ and ‘no’ means ‘no!’” they shouted.
Once the participants arrived at the Peace Pole, they formed a circle around it. Shoulder to shoulder, they listened as junior English major and WSU secretary Riley Straw recited his original poem, “Voice.”
“So this is for the un-tough; this is for the humans who can’t recognize themselves as such; this is for accepting love,” he said. “Touch my hand, and the veins that stand out softly, pounding proud for who I am. Touch my bitten fingernails like teeth haven’t gnawed them rough. Listen to my knuckles speak in creaks like craters, empty hums. Fill each silent scream with noise, and let the night take back its voice.”
An emotional audience’s wild applause bounced off the surrounding buildings.
Activists joined hands to create a circle as Loiacono encouraged everyone in attendance that they are loved and important.
While the event officially ended at the Peace Pole, Loiacono invited all of the attendees to follow her to the CMA offices to “just relax.”
“We know that not every student has a strong support system on campus,” said Loiacono. “We are trying to give that through the time at the CMA.”
The group dispersed into the night and headed in their own directions, knowing that their stories were in safe and caring hands.