Take Back the Night: Students speak about sexual violence

Take Back the Night, a night designed to spread awareness about sexual violence, was comfortably crowded on Tuesday night in the forum where about 200 returning and new students listened and shared stories about sexual violence.

Kerry Fankhauser, associate dean of Westhampton College, has been organizing the event for six years, she said. Take Back the Night was well attended by students and organizations around campus such as WILL (Women Involved in Living and Learning) and the SAVE project.

The event began at 7:30 p.m. and ended around 11 p.m. with a candle light vigil. The event started with opening words from Fankhauser, CAPS, the WILL Program, Save Project and campus security.

The a cappella group Choeur Du Roi, returned to Take Back the Night to perform two songs before students were invited to the microphone to speak freely.

Students gathered around the Forum to listen, understand and share stories with classmates and friends. One by one, students were free to talk about any experience they endured while the crowd listened respectfully.

"Remember, silence is okay, too," said Christine Parker, president of the SAVE project.

Students look forward to this event every year because it gives them a chance to tell their story without having to explain it multiple times, Fankhauser said.

Fankhauser believes that by the time Richmond students are seniors, they will know at least one person who had been affected by some form of sexual or relationship violence, she said.

Fankhauser also had advice for the campus community.

"If someone tells you they were sexually assaulted, believe them," she said. "It is the single most important thing you can do and should also be the easiest."

"Hearing my fellow classmates, friends and sisters share their stories was an extremely emotional but powerful experience," sophomore Amanda Walsh said. "I was so moved and inspired by the courage of these young women, and it was nice to see our entire campus community there."

Sexual violence is a heavy burden to bear alone and sharing stories and experiences with other people can help remove some of the common reactions such as self-blame and feelings of loneliness, Fankhauser said.

"My favorite part of the event was witnessing the women who stood up but weren't planning on speaking prior to listening to other people's stories," junior Jordyn Luks said. "Watching people impact and inspire one another to share such intimate stories really proves how useful and compelling this event is."

Contact reporter Katie Davidson at katie.davidson@richmond.edu