A woman walked up to the microphone labeled “press.” She did not tell her name – she only told her story.
She went to a party to socialize, drink and have fun. She didn’t know that the party would change her life forever. During the night, she flashed in and out of consciousness but didn’t realize what was happening. Months later when faced with depression, he uncovered the truth – she was raped.
This was one story among many presented at “Take Back the Night” on Thursday night.
The Women’s Coordinating Council spent months handing out flyers, making ribbons and putting up signs in preparation.
“We tried to get more men involved this year,” said Bonnie Buffalo, a member of the Women’s Coordinating Council. “People don’t realize it, but it affects them as much as women.”
“Take Back the Night” began with a silent march to remember victims of domestic abuse and rape.
“While marching, think about the effect domestic violence has and how long-lasting it is,” said Avery Emison, co-coordinator. “Our goal tonight is to make people think about it, because it gets pushed aside too easily.”
After the walk, people headed to the UC Ballroom to hear from counselors and victims.
Phil Bredesen’s wife, Andrea Conte, spoke about putting an end to the cycle of abuse.
“People in abusive relationships are involved in a constant cycle of love, hate, fear and hope,” Conte said. “We all have to be aware of what’s going on, (and) we all need to get involved.”
Featured speaker Gale Williams-Jackson talked about her childhood as she watched her step-father beat her mother and later kill her. She informed the audience that there is no profile for an abuser.
“I, at the age of 5, made the decision that it was not natural for someone to love and hug you and then beat you,” Williams-Jackson said. “There is no particular profile – just know if they slap you once, then they’ll do it again.
“We should educate our minds and know that we can break the chain,” Williams-Jackson continued. “It is a serious subject that we must address today.”
As a silence came over the crowd, many lined up to participate in the candlelight vigil. With each click of the lighter, a domestic violence case was remembered.
Afterwards, other survivors shared stories in the speak-out. The first to speak was Holly Buentiempo-Wade, co-coordinator of the event. As she began her story, she talked of how she felt at different stages in her life after personally experiencing the effects of human wrongdoing.
“I feel like getting up in front of a crowd will help in the healing process,” Buentiempo-Wade said. “At one point, I looked at my life and thought ‘Is this what my life is going to be like? Am I going to be a doormat for men?’
“I started painting and writing,” she said. “I was able to take the feelings and put them into something else.”
