Take Back the Night

Posted by Naomi Rockler-Gladen Apr 15, 2007

This week, college campuses across the United States and the world are holding Take Back the Night marches and rallies. These marches create a powerful rallying call against sexual violence. During Take Back the Night marches, women march together through dangerous parts of town to 'take back" their ability to walk where they choose without fear of violence. After the marches, women (along with men) rally against sexual violence and discuss their own experiences.

Let me tell you about my experience with Take Back the Night when I was an undergraduate at Rutgers University. I marched, which was a powerful experience, but what really stuck with me was the rally. Organizers set up a small bonfire in a "sexist trash can," and women were encouraged to stand at the microphone beside the trash can and talk about their personal experiences with sexual violence. They then threw paper into the trash can as a symbol of freeing themselves from the shame and pain.

Woman after woman bravely stepped forward and talked about molestation and rape at the hands of fathers, brothers, teachers, priests, and fellow students. Being one of the lucky ones, I had no such story to present before the trash can, and I was shocked by the stories I heard. I had no idea sexual violence was such a huge problem.

College students, if you've never gone to a Take Back the Night march and rally, go. I learned more at those rallies than I did in many of my classes.