The N.C. State Women’s Center hosted the 24th annual Take Back the Night event Wednesday, only one night after a female student reported a sexual assault near Thomas Hall.
Some students felt the timing of the sexual assault only magnified the importance of events like Take Back the Night, which raises awareness about sexual violence.
“What happened recently really put things into focus. I want to be safe walking to my car at night,” Lauren Opdyke, a junior in psychology.
The Movement,a group of student activists and peer education leaders who work to prevent sexual and relationship violence, had a heavy presence at Take Back the Night.
According to its website, The Movement’s method for prevention is not focusing on what women should do or should not do; The Movement strives to change the culture to the point that any form of interpersonal violence is not tolerated.
Jenny Lomelino, a senior in English and a peer educator for The Movement at NCSU Women’s Center, said one way students can help end our “rape culture” is by becoming involved in The Movement.
“Take Back the Night is important because it puts faces to the statistics. We all hear about rape and sexual violence, but I think that people don’t realize how often it happens – particularly on our campus,” Lomelino said.
According to the Women’s Center website, approximately 350 of every 10,000 (3.5 percent) female students on a college campus will be raped each academic year. This extrapolates to a possible 509 rapes or attempted rapes at NCSU each academic year.
Take Back the Night March and Rally are dedicated to promoting awareness, prevention, and safety on the campus – and also to honor and remember those whose lives have been affected by sexual assault or domestic violence.
Mary Margaret and Nicole Medlin, both seniors in communication, came to the event with their sorority, Delta Zeta.
“Delta Zeta comes every year to support the Women’s Center,” Margaret said.
According to Medlin, Delta Zeta supports the Women’s Center year-round.
“We do workshops and community service,” Medlin said, “One specific example is body image workshops.”
Julie Whelan, a senior in communication media, said she came to the event again this year because she thought last year’s event was fantastic and moving.
“It is important to show support for those who are hurt and to feel the support all around you,” Whelan said.
Thomas Stafford, vice chancellor of student affairs, said Take Back the Night is one of the most important annual events held on the campus.
”N.C. State is a place where rape and sexual assault will not be tolerated,” Stafford said.
