On April 20, students at Portland’s Lincoln High School, along with thousands of students across the country, placed tape over their mouths and stood in solidarity for those who have experienced sexual violence. The day marked the National Day of Silence.
Take Back the Night is another annual event that stands in similar solidarity, only in this case it seeks to break the silence. The event is one among many that mark April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Take Back the Night provides an outlet for sexual violence survivors and celebrates the power of a supportive community through marching, biking, bake sale fundraising, and spoken word and musical performances. It will take place in the Portland State South Park Blocks on April 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event was organized through the collaborative efforts of PSU’s Women’s Resource Center and the Women’s Crisis Line of Portland.
The theme for this year is “Survivors on the Margins: Exposing Barriers, Breaking Silence.” In part, the theme seeks to shed light on how some who faced sexual violence are unable to access the proper resources and services to cope and deal with the affront.
TBTN committee volunteer and anthropology sophomore Athina Mitchell expanded on the purpose and impact of the event. “So often people can’t stand to face the stories of women and men who are sexually abused. Take Back The Night allows people one evening to say all the things that society doesn’t want to hear or recognize,” she said. “It’s a place where people can share their stories without being discredited or brushed aside with a sidelong glance and a change in subject.”
The rally will begin with entertainment, free food and raffle prizes. In addition, there will be tables of representatives from social agencies and activist groups. After this session, participants will be able to march or bike around Portland for the cause. After this procession there will be a segment entitled “Survivor Speak Out,” a time when everyone is welcome to share their stories and experiences with sexual assault.
“People will be given the opportunity to share their stories in a safe environment. We will also have sexual assault advocates present at the event to support people if they need it,” said Katlyn Tracy, co-chair of the TBTN committee. “We aim to create the safest space possible for people to participate and learn about the effect of sexual violence in their communities.”
Tracy added that it is important to keep in mind that though many experience sexual violence, those experiences may not be universal. According to a study conducted by the National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center of the Medical University of South Carolina, in 2006, “only 18 percent of ‘forcible’ rape victims and 10 percent of drug-facilitated/incapacitated rape victims reported the crime to law enforcement.”
This movement stemmed from grassroots efforts that go back to 1975. As stated by the official TBTN website, people in Philadelphia assembled in solidarity after the murder of Susan Alexander Smith, who was fatally stabbed by a stranger only a few blocks from her home. The event incited worldwide fervor as the International Tribunal of Women organized the event in Brussels, Belgium. The event continued to spread to other areas of the United States and the world, from San Francisco to Rome. And now, for many of those who attend TBTN events, it’s more than acknowledging the horror of sexual violence and providing support for survivors, but a reminder that there’s an entire community of support available.
“I’ve been to TBTN for the last two years and it has always been a powerful experience for me,” Tracy said. “Hearing stories, witnessing the incredible amount of community involvement, and taking to the streets with so many people who care about safety in our community and fighting against sexual assault has motivated me to be a better ally to survivors.”
For Mitchell, Take Back the Night is also about solidarity and unconditional support. “It’s intoxicating and easy to get swept up in everyone’s energy,” she said. “After the march, there is a speak-out for people to share their stories if they want to. No one is singled out; people will simply step forward if they wish to speak. It can be hard to hear, but it’s necessary. It’s necessary for the people who want to speak and for others to hear it.”