Standing with Survivors

Contributed by: Debra Marino, Director of Power Based Violence Prevention and Education

The Take Back the Night Foundation is a global movement working toward ending sexual assault and domestic violence. This movement began in the 1970s and has been continuously spreading awareness ever since. While working to end violence, they are mindful of survivors’ feelings and offer support.

To raise awareness, survivors are encouraged to share their voices, and Take Back the Night hosts marches, rallies, and candlelight vigils across college campuses and communities. Marches and rallies show support for survivors by giving participants the opportunity to hold signs, speak out about safety and consent, and share data about those impacted. Candlelight vigils honor survivors whom we have lost due to violence.

The purpose of this foundation is not only to honor survivors, but also to educate students and communities about attitudes and behaviors surrounding sexual violence. A sense of unity, healing, and advocacy is demonstrated during these events by bringing together survivors, supporters, and community leaders. By standing together, these individuals work toward creating a future free of violence.

The Take Back the Night website also lists events hosted online. For example, they have hosted an “International Sexual Violence Justice Symposium.” This symposium was a free event designed to spread awareness by featuring policy leaders speaking about ending sexual violence.

Take Back the Night emphasizes that everyone deserves to feel safe and supported. It is important that communities are educated about consent, prevention, and what they can do to help survivors. Educational campaigns, community partnerships, and events for college students and the public all contribute to creating a safer world. Everyone has the right to feel safe, and Take Back the Night is helping us get there as a community and as a world. The more awareness we bring to campuses and communities, the closer we are to creating a culture where violence is not tolerated.