This Thursday, Oct. 28, the Wesleyan community will join together to speak out against sexual assault at our annual Take Back the Night march. The night is a time to support survivors of sexual assault and/or to speak from your own experience of sexual assault. Take Back the Night powerfully affects both speakers and listeners—therefore we encourage the entire Wesleyan community to attend.
The march begins with a short opening ceremony on the steps of Olin at 8 p.m.; from there we walk together to the first speak-out circle in the Butterfield courtyard. Next, we march to the second circle on the lawn in front of the Chapel and North College, ending with a third circle in the CFA courtyard, where there will be a count-off by candlelight. At this time, we witness the number of people who are showing their support in the fight against sexual assault. Last year, over 600 people attended the march, and we hope to have an even larger turnout this year. (Remember to dress warmly, the evening gets cold.)
The speak-outs are meant as safe spaces for individuals who have experienced sexual violence or sexual assault to stand up and share their stories. We have worked to make the march inclusive of all; and to balance this goal with the priority of ensuring the emotional safety of those who share their own stories. In keeping with the traditions of the national march, we suggest that individuals who desire to march only in the company of other women come to the front of the procession. Additionally, in recognition of particular vulnerabilities of some groups within our society, we ask that only our female and transgendered peers speak at the first circle. This gesture recognizes, first, that women constitute the vast majority of sexual assault survivors; and second, that trans-gendered individuals, as a population, are sexually assaulted in numbers hugely disproportionate to the population at large. This gesture is in no way intended to overlook the reality that all people experience sexual assault. Thus here we would like to emphasize that the second and third circles are open to all survivors of sexual assault, regardless of gender.
We ask that all participants respect the nature of the speak-outs. The circles are intended for personal stories of survivors only. The stories we hear on Thursday night will move and affect all of us –take that momentum beyond Oct. 28 with your thoughts, words, and actions. On Thursday night itself, however, if you do not identify as a survivor, show your support by listening, not by speaking. If any individual begins speaking who should not be, Women’s Resource Center Coordinators will encourage them to sit down; we request and encourage your help in respectfully and firmly directing such an individual to sit down, but we do not anticipate this problem occurring.
Each speak out circle is a safe space. For many, this night will be the first time that they tell their stories. As such, everything said remains confidential. There will be counselors from Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services available around campus to provide support to those who need it, after what is often a very emotional and powerful event.
Sexual assault does not have to be part of our reality. Join us in the fight back, and Take Back the Night at Wesleyan.
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