Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 4/4/08 Section: Headlines

This year, Abby's House is sponsoring an event that Western has not hosted for two years. The event aims to motivate public to take a stand against, sexual violence and will show support for those who are survivors of various forms of violence.

"The Take Back the Night event is a rally to offer survivors of violence an opportunity to voice their experiences," says Dee Braith, Western student. One of the more common events is a candle-lit walk through campus.

According to the Take Back the Night website, the events and rallies have taken place in different forms for the past 30 years. "Take Back the Night has inspired both women and men to confront a myriad of social ills, including rape, sexual violence, domestic violence, violence against children and violence against women. The unifying theme throughout these diverse topics is the assertion that all human beings have the right to be free from violence, the right to be heard and the right to reclaim those rights if they are violated."

For the first event, the clothesline project, white T-shirts will be set out at a staffed table so that event participants or survivors of violence or abuse can write their experiences or thoughts down. The T-shirts will be hung on a clothesline to display participants' stories. Additionally, supplies to make signs and posters will be available for the campus walk.

There will also be speakers on campus representing the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence in Corvallis. Jenny Jarvis and Staci Tograzzini will be speaking about sexual assault myths, prevention, area resources and sexual assault response advocacy. Following the speakers will be a time for reflection and speaking out; a gong will be sounded every nine seconds representing how often a person is assaulted by their domestic partner. Afterwards, attendees will be able to speak and share their stories of violence and will have the option to share a poem or other reading.

The night will conclude with the campus walk. On the walk, participants may engage in powerful chants to bring about awareness and new beginnings.•

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