Last Tuesday evening, several hundred students gathered in front of Olin Library in support of Wesleyan’s annual Take Back the Night rally and march. The event, held on college campuses nationwide, raises awareness about sexual violence on campus and in the broader community.
Cardinal Sinners, the all-female a cappella group, performed on the Olin steps, inaugurating the event with a powerful vocal message about the effects of sexual assault.
Students marched from the Olin steps to the CFA courtyard, where a stirring performance by Onomatopoeia, an a cappella group, opened the first speak-out circle. Several speak-out circles continued across campus throughout the night, concluding with a candlelight vigil in front of North College.
The circles are intended to both create a safe space for survivors of sexual assault to share their stories, and to remind other members of the community of the importance of listening and providing support for those who speak.
Elizabeth Weisman ’09, co-leader of the planning committee, noted that the event “provides an opportunity to begin the healing process, both for the survivors and for the community as a whole.”
Take Back the Night was organized by a core group of students on the Planning Committee, with support from WesWELL’s Peer Health Advocates.
The Women and Families Center also donated their time to Take Back the Night, providing sexual assault crisis counselors at the march for those seeking immediate support for emotions brought forth by the event.
Although the speak-out circles were intended specifically for the voices of the survivors of sexual assault, other members of the community were invited to share their opinions at several post-march debriefing sessions. Counselors from the Women and Families Center facilitated a session open to all students, and one open only to female-identified and transgender students.
In addition, several discussion forums were held for students of color, male students, and queer students prior to the event, encouraging members of those communities to speak out about how sexual violence impacts themselves and their communities.
Carolyn Ariori ’09, co-leader of the planning committee, noted the importance of the safe space that Take Back the Night provides to discuss a difficult and painful subject.
“No one wants to talk about it, or admit that it happens here on campus, which can create an unsupportive atmosphere for survivors,” Ariori said.
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