About 70 men and women gathered in support of women Wednesday to “Take
Back the Night” as the sun slowly set on campus.

The group rallied outside Moore Hall to march and bring awareness of
sexual aggression and sexual violence against women.

“I feel it’s important for Central Michigan University to come together – women and men –
and stop the violence against women,” said Lansing junior Jamie Griggs.
“I wish there had been a little more people.”

The group marched through campus and parts of town carrying signs
that read, “No means no,” and “There’s power in your voice – use it.”
The group also had a number of bullhorns through which they chanted
statements like, “We have the power, we have the right, the streets are
ours, take back the night,” and “Sexist, rapist, anti-gay, don’t you
take our night away.”

Chris Arble watched as the marchers moved down the middle of Main
Street.

“It’s certainly a good cause,” the Trenton senior said. “I’m
definitely against rape.”

The march returned to Moore Hall as the sun dipped below the horizon.

“I think as long as we touched one person and made them think, I
think it was a success.,” said Saginaw junior Sasha Johnson.

A “Speak Out” session followed the march in Moore Hall’s Townsend
Kiva where people shared personal experiences with sexual assault and
abuse.

Tearful stories were greeted with hugs and applause as 17 people
were brave enough to open up to the crowd of about 40 people.

Mary Irvine said she has been involved with Take Back the Night for
the last 23 years.

“There’s a lot more to be done to raise the issue,” the Mount
Pleasant resident said.

Irvine said she was amazed by the variety of different experiences
shared.

“There was a toll not just on the person themselves, but on family
and friends,” she said.

Throughout the years, Irvin said she’s seen a fluctuation in
participation in Take Back the Night events. She wants people to know
how important it is to keep fighting against sexual abuse.

“Don’t break the line,” she said. “It’s a line of history.”

Irvine discussed her experiences with sexual aggression and ended
her talk by singing a song.

“Step by step, the longest march can be won,” she sang with a smile.

For confidential advice about issues of sexual aggression, call
CMU’s Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates (SAPA) at 774-CALL.

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