Take Back the Night at Humboldt State University is an annual act to end sexualized violence; because we recognize that sexual violence is being perpetrated as a weapon of war against women in the HSU community, in addition to other communities we identity with. This year we have organized a series of workshops, film screenings, speakers and discussions to increase awareness to: institutional forms of sexualized violence, reconstructing masculinity, connections between sexual violence and militarism, intra-community sexual violence, healing through art and the various ways to build safe and accountable communities.

Take Back the Night spaces are intended to build solidarity with survivors by breaking the silence and sharing experiences, expose all the interconnections within sexual violence, and to build community through sharing skills, resources, and strategies to bring an end to sexual violence.

When Take Back the Night was first organized, the march served as a symbolic non-violence direct action of women reclaiming their safety of public places, when awareness was primarily being raised about stranger rapes occurring on the streets (Andrea Richie).

It's still an empowering act for many survivors and other women to march and chant with other women-identified survivors, supporters, and allies. However, it is important to recognize that sexual violence occurs in all contexts, not only on the streets, but also in spaces including but not limited to: bedrooms, prisons, the media, war zones, at the border, parties, dorms, by friends, family, strangers, partners, and law enforcement.

One crucial aspect of Take Back the Night is the open mic; this is an opportunity for women who have survived sexual violence to share their stories with participants. It breaks down isolation and builds solidarity with survivors by letting listens who are also survivors of sexual violence know that they are not alone. These accounts are also critical because they bring awareness to non-survivor listeners about the depths, outbreak, and reality of violence and the possibilities for healing and creating change.

Another aspect of Take Back the Night that is crucial in prevention and resistance to sexual violence against women is the men's group. This is a safe space facilitated by anti-sexist men, where male-identified folks can discuss their thoughts and feelings in regards to violence against women and role and responsibility in ending it, because violence against women hurts us all.

It doesn't stop here! Ending sexual violence against women is a continual and daily struggle. It's all of our duty to keep the conversations and organizing going. Some students are in the process of organizing a tangible space to serve as a safe place for survivors in our campus community and beyond to go for support and resources, and for folks who are committed to ending sexual violence against women to come organize collectively. Would YOU like to be a part of this space? Please leave your contact information with a Take Back the Night organizer or at the Women's Resource table.