Taking a Stand Against Sexual Violence on Campus
What: The Sexual Assault Task Force at Trinity College will hold a rally dedicated to taking a stand against sexual violence on Campus.
When: Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Cave patio outside Mather Hall on the Trinity Campus. In the event of rain, the rally will be moved to Gallows Hill.
Background: Some say Take Back the Night is an event that had its origins in 1877 when women protested the fear and violence they experienced at night in the streets of London, England. Others say the event had its genesis in Belgium in 1976 when women attending the International Tribunal on Crimes Against Women took to the streets to denounce violence against women. Regardless of its beginnings, over the past 32 years, thousands of rallies and marches bearing the name “Take Back the Night” have taken place worldwide, including here at Trinity College.
Most present-day rallies offer survivors of violence a chance to talk about their experiences and affirm their transition from victim to survivor. Take Back the Night has resulted in both women and men confronting myriad social ills, including rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, violence against children, and violence against women.
Sponsors of Trinity’s rally include the Women & Gender Resource Action Center; Peer Educators Advocating Campus Health; the Asian American Student Association; and various sororities and fraternities. In addition to the rally, there will be performances and speeches.
Trinity’s participation dates to at least 2001. The goal is to “say no to sexual violence on campus,” and the unifying theme is the assertion that all people have the right to be free from violence, the right to be heard and the right to reclaim those rights if they are violated.
For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Rebecca.Loeb@trincoll.edu or Laura.Lockwood@trincoll.edu.