With the Steubenville case still fresh in people’s minds, Ohio University’s students will look to fight violence against women with Take Back the Night Week.
In its 33rd year, Take Back the Night is a week dedicated to events and rallies to help women reclaim the night and speak out against sexual assault and violence.
“Violence against women is (an) important (issue) to Ohio University,” said Susanne Dietzel, director for the Women’s Center. “I think it’s important that we set aside (time) during the year to raise awareness about the fact of sexual assault and how prevalent it is in our society and what we as a community can do to participate in the struggle to end it.”
Take Back The Night originated in Philadelphia in 1975, according to the official website. It has now become a globalized event.
Between 20 and 25 percent of women in college will experience rape or attempted rape, and more than half of raped college women will not report it, according to Campus Safety Magazine
“This week is crucial to Ohio University and the Athens community to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault, especially because it is a problem that occurs on this campus and is largely overlooked,” said Emma Wright, the Women’s Affairs commissioner for Student Senate.
The week will include a name-burning event in which women will have a safe environment to burn the name of their perpetrator; a men’s event in which they can learn how to be allies for women; a keynote speech by Erin Merryn discussing sexual assault; and, ending the week, a march and rally.
“Take Back the Night really has its origins in women standing up for their rights and demanding that the streets and the night are safe for them,” Dietzel said. “I think that’s still a message we need to reiterate.”
The week’s events are sponsored by Student Senate, which has a fund specifically saved for Take Back the Night each year.
“Women can come away from the week hopefully feeling empowered and supported,” Wright said. “We want women to know that they are not alone.”
je726810@ohiou.edu
If You Go:
What: Kick-Off and Speak-Out Remix!
When: 5-7 p.m. Monday
Where: The Front Room
Admission: Free
What: Name Burning
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: McCracken Fields
Admission: Free
What: Men’s Event
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Baker 239
Admission: Free
What: Keynote Speaker Erin Merryn
When: 5 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Walter Rotunda
Admission: Free
What: March and Rally
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Where: Scripps Amphitheater
Admission: Free
What: After Party Hosted by Graduate Student Senate
When: 9 p.m. Thursday
Where: Buffalo Wild Wings, 23 W. Union St.
Admission: Free
What: Just Yell Fire Self-Defense
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Women’s Center
Admission: Free
