Shippensburg University’s Pride and Gender Equity (PAGE) Center hosted the annual Take Back the Night event on Thursday evening in McFeely’s. Take Back the Night is an international movement that has been happening for over 60 years to empower survivors of gender-based violence. The event is an opportunity for people to walk, speak, stand and chant until sexual violence is no more.
McFeely’s was adorned with posters, signs, and coloring pages with messages like “Believe survivors” and “It was not your fault.” There were also opportunities for attendees to stand against sexual violence anonymously, such as decorating a banner with a painted handprint. T-shirts with the message “believe survivors” printed on them were also offered at the event, free of charge.
The event began with PAGE Center Director Miller Hoffman welcoming all to the event and explaining the meaning and history behind the movement. Hoffman then welcomed the community partners that were present at the event, such as the YWCA of Carlisle and Cumberland County. The YWCA offers counseling services and support, free of charge.
A representative from YWCA, Lily Duarte-Evans, spoke about statistics of sexual assault. “LGBTQ+ members are more likely to be assaulted,” Duarte-Evans said. “But sexual violence is violence, period. You should always know that we believe you, and we are always in your corner.”
Hoffman then opened the event to an open mic portion where attendees could come up and share words of encouragement and support. Several attendees shared their stories, encouraging survivors to believe that they are not alone and that they can find support.
Hoffman concluded the event by encouraging audience members to crumple up a piece of paper to represent how the effects of gender-based violence can leave us feeling crumpled and broken. Hoffman then encouraged audience members to make the piece of paper beautiful. “We are transformed when harm is done to us,” Hoffman said. “But we are still beautiful.”
For free counseling services and support, contact the YWCA sexual violence hotline at (717) 727-0787.
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