The march was silent, but the message could not have been more pronounced.
Thursday night, combatants of sexual assault and domestic violence gathered in Humanities Plaza to participate in Take Back the Night, a program designed to raise awareness about these issues.
Participants marched through the Johnson-Ward Pedestrian Mall and down the Strip to the UC Ballroom in honor of the victims of abuse and violence. Members of the Women’s Coordinating Council, sponsors of the event, guided the march and handed out purple ribbons in commemoration of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Various organizations, including tkastnd.org, an online support group for victims of sexual assault, the Student Counseling Center and Safe Haven, set up booths outside the ballroom entrance to present information about the services to TBTN participants.
“A lot of people don’t know these services are available. It’s good to get the word about these issues, and let people know these resources do exist here in Knoxville,” Sarah Peacock, chair of the WCC, said.
Inside, however, more than information was presented to the audience.
For the remainder of the evening, speakers — from both groups affiliated with TBTN and the crowd — offered their messages, their hopes and their personal stories.
Meg Donovan, creator of tkastnd.org and first to the podium, told of her experience with sexual assault, and pleaded for men to be a positive influence in the lives of other males around them by not being afraid to spread awareness and stand up for women.
“Sexual assault is an uncomfortable subject,” she said. “And it should be.”
Between the presenters and the informal “speak-out” by members of the audience, the entire group participated in a candlelight vigil in honor of the victims.
“There is power in numbers, and by passing this light, we educate one more person and enlighten one more soul,” Peacock said.
Following the vigil, members of the audience took to the stage to share stories of their personal encounters with sexual assault. They spoke on behalf of friends, family and themselves as the audience looked on with support, disbelief and misty eyes.
Will Pratt, co-coordinator of TBTN, praised the turnout and the campus support for the annual event.
“We’d really like to thank the group presence — especially Alpha Chi Omega, ATO and the athletic groups. Their presence … makes a difference,” he said.
Michael Helms, senior in philosophy and member of tkastnd.org, was pleased with the event, but said he hopes the message is not lost once the memory of the night has passed.
“It was a great two hours, but if people come away thinking only that, it was a failure,” he said. “The message needs to be carried on beyond tonight and tomorrow morning.”
