Amid chants of "two, four, six, eight, stop the violence, stop the hate," hundreds of men and women marched from the Downtown Mall to the north steps of the Rotunda last night in the 13th annual Take Back the Night.
The event raises awareness of violence against women in the community. The National Organization for Women at the University helped sponsor the event.
The speak-out portion of the event on the steps of the Rotunda was the most emotional aspect of the evening. The forum provided an opportunity for survivors of violence to speak out in any way they chose to do so. A candlelight vigil and songs by the Virginia Women's Chorus also took place.
"This is a time for survivors to speak," said Claire Kaplan of the Sexual Assault Education Office.
The event commenced earlier in the night with a rally at the Downtown Mall's amphitheater and featured readings, musical performances, speeches and a self-defense demonstration.
One speaker, Gordon Braxton, a fourth-year Commerce student and member of One-in-Four, said men need to be aware of the problems that exist in our culture.
"Our name comes from the alarming statistic that one in four women have experienced rape or attempted rape," Braxton said.
One-in-Four is a group comprised of University males who educate men about issues of violence against women. Members of the group participated in the event to show their support.
"Yes, men. We as a community need to take responsibility," Braxton said.
University Police Sgt. Melissa Fielding led a self-defense demonstration at the amphitheater.
"Women truly are not powerless against an attack," Fielding said.
Matt Pecori, president of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Union at the University, reminded the audience that people of any sexual orientation can be victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
"Everyone needs help sometimes, and let's make sure no one is too scared to get it," Pecori said.
From the Downtown Mall, participants marched to the Rotunda for the culmination of the evening. Passers-by cheered on the marchers and numerous cars honked their horns to show support.
"We are really pleased with all the people that turned out," said Kate Hendricks, a fourth-year College student and president of the University's chapter of NOW.
Victims or those who simply would like more information are encouraged to take advantage of the University's many resources including the Sexual Assault Resource Agency, the Shelter for Help in Emergency and the Virginia Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Hotline.
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