Forty years of fighting back

Annual Take Back the Night event stands against sexual assault violence at USD

Victoria Thomas | Contributor | USD Vista

Protesters chanted as they walked the streets of the University of San Diego, bathed in the light from the Public Safety squad cars escorting them. Emotions escalated with every chant and tears were shed by both speakers and attendees. They discussed the real and important topic of sexual violence across college campuses and within the greater San Diego community during Take Back the Night.

It was an event that loudly vocalized discomfort and unhappiness with the current climate and treatment toward victims of sexual harassment and assault.

Amanda Luckett, prevention and education coordinator at the USD Women’s Center, was standing among the Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE) advocates, passing out flyers with campus resources to aid those affected by harassment and assault.

“The largest point of tonight is standing in solidarity with survivors,” Luckett said. “We’re learning. We’re here. And we believe you. There are people out here who care about you as an individual and on a larger level.”

Celebrating 40 years of existence, Take Back the Night is an event held annually across the nation to take a stand against sexual violence in the United States, especially on college campuses. This event began in the late 1970s in San Francisco, taking inspiration from the sexual violence protests in England that preceded it. Just like the men and women before them, USD’s community took to the streets.

“Survivors unite to take back the night!” filled the streets as the crowd was escorted through their route with the support of Public Safety.

Senior Elaine Selna was excited about the support from a wide variety of individuals, including President James T. Harris III.

“Having President Harris walking right there in front of me — in front of everyone — was really cool,” Selna said. “It was great to see someone in a position of power in the university hearing our voices and walking with us in solidarity.”

The event started in front of the Student Life Pavilion (SLP), where people gathered to craft signs for the march and listen to the first speaker of the night.

With the #MeToo and Time’s Up movement, sexual assault has become a more prominent topic of discussion in society. Looking back from the front of the protest line, there were large groups of people from all demographics going forward and speaking out for a better future.

Luckett was ecstatic to see the large turnout.

“This is my first Take Back the Night ever, and I asked my supervisor, ‘Erin how do we know people will come?’ and she said, ‘Trust me…people will come,’” Luckett said. “This is an incredible time to be part of the community.”

The first speaker of the night, a member of the San Diego community, bravely told the story of her sexual assault while audience members offered their support and solidarity. They stayed quiet while she told her story, and clapped at the end, thanking her for her strength. (As a policy of The USD Vista, this publication does not identify victims of sexual assault.)

She stated that for a long time she felt ashamed and uncomfortable coming forward, but with the help and support of her community and family, she finally began to open up. Her story served as a reminder that sexual violence can happen by anyone to anyone, but offered hope to those who fear they may never be able to open up and feel better again.

This was followed by a performance from the Founders Chapel Choir (FCC) with the song “Praying” by Kesha. The singers shared their emotions with the audience when one singer stepped offstage in tears while being held closely by one of her fellow singers.

The atmosphere was filled with respect, support, and love for the brave people who stepped forward. Those in attendance were then gathered to begin the main event: the march across campus.

As they marched through the SLP, heads turned from all directions and people who had not initially joined the  group began to chant along, with some picking up their things to join in the protest.

The route took them throughout campus, down the steps by the Valley soccer field, back up and around and through Colachis Plaza, and finally ended behind the Kroc Institute of Peace and Justice (KIPJ) at the Garden of the Sea. A candlelit vigil was held in silence of all the survivors and the lives  lost to sexual violence.

Sophomore Skylar Robinson discussed the personal impact of this shared moment.

“My favorite part of the night was lighting the candles and saying a prayer for those lost,” Robinson said. “Emotionally, it was very humbling and served as a reminder to never forget.”

After the prayer, the marchers gathered to hear from the second speaker, a member of the USD community personally affected by sexual violence. She shared the story of her traumatic night on campus and the ensuing struggle that it brought her.

“All rape is severe,” the second speaker reminded the public, her emotional words penetrating the air.

Those watching and listening with bated breath felt the heavy weight and importance of her words; among them was Selna. She watched as the speaker’s family gathered around to listen to her speech and stand in solidarity with her.

“Hearing (the second speaker’s) story was very powerful for me,” Selna said. “Seeing her family, and her dad kissing her brother on the cheek, the support from her family after it had all happened, was wonderful. It was important for me to see how she could open up to us on something that happened on our own campus.”

The speaker’s story was followed by a reminder from the faculty regarding on-campus resources, as well as within the San Diego community, to aid those struggling. The night closed with a reminder of why everyone was gathered there.

The month of April is Sexual Assault and Harassment Awareness month, but the event served as a reminder of  the struggles people might face and continued to foster an environment where conversation is open and encouraged. Take Back the Night is an annual event to continue the push toward a better community where men, women, and everyone else walking the streets can feel safe.