TW: SA
Take Back the Night, an event held every year at St. Lawrence, originates from protests and marches held worldwide in the 1970s.
This event is one of the first worldwide efforts made to combat sexual assault and violence, as stated on the Take Back the Night Foundation website. Incidents regarding violence against women in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles attracted media attention which resulted in a movement created to demand resources and safety for women.
What began as protests and marches has slowly evolved into different interpretations of what it means to “Take Back the Night,” such as yoga, poetry, vigils, and readings.
At St. Lawrence University the Women’s Resource Center (also known as The Dub) hosts Take Back the Night in the Fall and Spring. Survivors are welcomed to share their stories in the Gunnison Chapel while St. Lawrence students are invited to listen.
Attending the event can be emotionally difficult, since stories of sexual assault and violence are shared. However, for Morgan Montminy ‘22, a SLU Advocate, it is an important event to attend if you are able.
“I felt proud of the Survivors who showed their courage by speaking about their experiences. The chapel was full of people attending, all there to support the Survivors while they shared their personal experiences with the rest of us,” noticed Montminy. “This is such an important event for the Survivors sharing and other Survivors who are struggling to know that they are not alone.”
Emily Coppola ‘23, lives in The Dub theme house, and attended Take Back the Night on Tuesday, Oct. 19.
“Without speakers, the event doesn’t happen. So, the most important part is helping those who are willing to speak write their pieces, provide feedback, and give them the opportunity and space to practice,” said Coppola.
The event is intended to provide a safe space for survivors, provide resources and raise awareness surrounding sexual assault. “This is a very important event to us as a house,” Coppola emphasized.
“By sharing their experiences, Survivors are taking back what was taken from them,” stated Montminy. “Take Back the Night allows the campus to come together to support Survivors and hear what they need to say.”
Take Back the Night takes place during purple week on campus, which is a week dedicated to education and advocacy focused on issues of sexual violence, harassment, and bullying.
Organizers of the event believe it helps the campus recognize and believe survivors, and will encourage future change.
“TBTN shows you that your friends, classmates, teammates, and familiar faces you see around campus could very likely be survivors of sexual assault, and you’d never know. This is why it is important to be sensitive, compassionate, and respectful in all settings, as you never know what someone has been through,” mentioned Coppola. “Beyond the actual event last night, we hope TBTN sparks conversations, including uncomfortable ones, in the classroom, between friends, and in clubs and organizations on campus. We all need to work together in every interaction to change the culture of how we think about consent, autonomy, and power.”
Besides engaging in conversations about sexual violence awareness, Montminy believes it is important to be an Advocate for Survivors.
“The best way to offer your services directly to someone who is struggling is to listen and help them understand their options while offering your support,” Montminy noted. “I recommend getting AWARE trained through the advocates. While it is emotional, it is also important to know the correct ways to help someone who is struggling.”
Resources are available to anyone in need through the Advocates (315) 244-5466 and SLU Counseling Services Helpline (315) 229- 1914.