In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Take Back the Night (TBTN), moderated by Brenda Rodriguez, president of the Feminist Collective, was held at NEIU on Oct. 19.
TBTN is an international movement to reclaim the night as a safe space to resist violence. Resulting from when serial killers, such as the “Yorkshire Ripper,” became known for the rape, abuse and killing of several prostitutes at night over 30 years ago, women started to rally and protest on the streets, and speak out about women’s issues such as rape, domestic abuse and sexual assault.
The event began with Colleen Norton, Prevention/Education Director from Between Friends, a local nonprofit agency that is dedicated to breaking the cycle of domestic violence and building a community awareness of abuse, speaking about how crimes against women affect communities and not just individuals. She also encouraged the crowd to stand up and be aware of these issues when in public and to not let harassment and assault be an acceptable norm.
Steven Adler from Rape Victim Advocates said victims and survivors must be treated with humanity and respect. He encouraged the audience to be active listeners and counselors to women who have survived these crimes, and emphasized the importance of educational training, counseling, accountability and awareness.
Adler also discussed social issues that contribute to violence against women such as male privilege, internalized sexism, patriarchy and misogyny. He shared three steps on how to deal with victims of rape, domestic violence and sexual assault: first, believe the victim; second, it’s not their fault; third, let them know they have options.
The last guest speaker was Dr. Martha Thompson, professor Emeritus of Sociology and Women’s Studies at NEIU. As a fourth degree black belt in Seido Karate and a licensed women’s self-defense instructor of IMPACT Chicago, she demonstrated some techniques for the audience and encouraged women to use these tools as a last resort. She also encouraged women to use their voices in order to exude confidence and firmness when in dangerous situations. The discussions and demonstration were followed by a march around the campus, ending in the Village Square for the ‘Shatter the Silence’ portion of the evening.
Attendees participated in an open mic session full of poetry, stories and music in honor of women’s experiences and voices. After every performance or story, the audience would chant, “We hear your voice; we respect your words, end violence now!”
There was an intense atmosphere in the audience, allowing members to really understand the messages being conveyed. “I had no idea what ‘Take Back the Night’ was about,” said Abeer
Ali, a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major, “but I was blown away with the detailed stories shared by some of the women at the event. I never I had to go through any of those experiences [but now I realize] that this is a reality that women live with each day.”
“I stumbled upon [TBTN] last year and jumped right in,” said Danait Araia, senior Political Science major and Vice President of Student Government. “I loved the encouraging and friendly environment—it was overwhelming hearing everyone else’s story and brought tears to my eyes. I wanted to say something but I didn’t want to follow behind the great acts [at the Speak Out portion].”
Overall, the evening emphasized believing the individual who shares his or her experiences with rape and sexual assault, since the first response is essential in the survivor’s recovery. Audience members even wore purple in honor of TBTN, which was sponsored by Feminist Collective, and co-sponsored by Sociology Club, SEEDS Literary Arts Journal, Latinas in Power (LIP), LGBTQ Alliance, Gamma Phi Omega International Sorority, Incorporated, Justice Studies Club and Women’s Studies Program.
Take Back the Night not only ended up informing students, but also inspiring them. “I wish there was MORE to this event, like ‘Take Back the Week’,” said Araia. “We need a Women’s Center here at NEIU!”