Take Back the Night Essay

The purpose of Take Back the Night was to promote awareness and support survivors of rape, sexual assault and relationship violence among students and nonstudents. I also think the goal was to unify the community by allowing survivors to open up about incidents of abuse/assault within their lives. I observed the audiences reactions when the audience showed lots of support to the survivors that were telling their stories of assault and abuse. Whenever a survivor would leave the stage the audience would applaud the survivor for being courageous.

Also close friends of the survivor would reach out and hug and give words of encouragement to the survivors. Also the men who were in the audience were shocked and in disbelief when they heard some of the statistics, they found some of the material to be unbelievable. Also it seemed as though hearing the information from the audience’s peers made it more realistic. My own personal reactions somewhat surprised and open to listen to the presenters tell their story. I think that the initial goal of take back the night was to have the survivors have an ear to listen to and not judge or point fingers.

I also feel as though this provided a supportive atmosphere to the survivors and opened the floor for other to open up about previous experiences. I did notice a sense of empowerment among the survivors, it seemed as though a huge weight was lifted off their shoulders as they told their accounts of sexual assault/abuse. I really feel as though everyone became more educated on what someone goes through who has to undergo any time assault or abuse. It is never safe to assume that one case/incident is the same.

I learned that sexual assault/rape affects everyone and not just the individual that undergoes the violation committed against them within an incident. I was amazed by the advocates who were passionate and committed to alleviating the burden upon the survivors. Their knowledge of resources available to the student body about educating and awareness was very apparent within the presentation of the program. The major speaker of the night, in my opinion was every survivor that spoke about their assault/rape or their observance of what occurred within their life.

Honestly, they broaden my perspective on the “image” of what a person who has faced assault or abuse. There is not one “type” of person who is targeted or anyone that is more prone to facing this unfair treatment. I see how this abuse can drastically affect the life of an individual and their close family and friends. I think this event was fine the way it was presented to the student body. I especially liked the incorporation of the other student organizations offering their input on what their group offers and how they intend to be an active in take back the night and further events to come.