Franklin Pierce takes back the night

On Tuesday night, April 22, members of the Franklin Pierce community gathered in front of the DiPietro Library and Peterson Hall to "Take Back the Night." C.A.S.A., Community Assistants for Safety Awareness, sponsored the event to raise sexual, physical, and mental assault awareness. The event began with a presentation by Juliann Decker from the Boston Rape Crisis Center in Cambridge, MA. She shared her story of being raped as a UMASS Amherst college student and confessed her struggles stemming from her experience. The rally also featured a skit performed by Reality Check about physical and mental abuse within a relationship. Krystal Spradling then spoke about prevention, sexual assault, how to deal with sexual assault, and how to be a bystander on behalf of the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention. C.A.S.A., Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention, and the Women's Crisis Center/ Outreach on campus had tables to display their information about sexual assault and what resources are available. Faculty and students walked by throughout the day to observe and learn what the event was all about. The forum was surrounded by decorated t-shirts hanging from clotheslines as part of the Clothesline Project in memory of females that had been victims of violence. Students and faculty were free to design their shirt the way they wanted to as a way of demonstrating how they feel about sexual, physical, and mental assault. Advisor of C.A.S.A. Experience Director Emily Valli said, "Most people wrote positive messages on their t-shirts." After the rally, there was a candlelit silent march. An open microphone was available after the march for anyone who wanted to speak about the issue or share their personal stories. Experience Director Brian Medina spoke about how sexual assault is also a male issue, and men should be aware of the crime that many men commit. "People speaking out is important. The rally brought awareness to a very real issue that needs to be addressed," said Medina. Money was raised for the Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention by selling the t-shirts for $1 and the candles for the march for .50 cents. Valli said that some people "just felt like donating." A total of $120 was collected. Representatives from various groups on campus were present demonstrating their support with banners including B.R.O, SISTUHS, Agape, EMS, and the Fire Crew. There were approximately 60 people who attended the rally and march. Valli said, "I was really happy that a lot of people attended. We did not really know where to start, and we received so much support from the Outreach Center and faculty. Donna Decker was so gracious to help us out with a contact." Master Level Intern for Outreach Education Anne Kristiansen attended the event and said, "I thought the 'Take Back the Night' event was a successful campus-based advocacy event that brought the prevalence of gendered violence to public awareness. The personal stories and student participation were a testament to the bravery and support network which exists when people come together to create change." C.A.S.A. plans to have "Take Back the Night" next April and have more club and faculty involvement and collaboration to spread awareness. According to Valli, there is debate to when the concept of "Take Back the Night" actually began. Some say it was created as early as the 1800s for people to stand up for themselves. The event is popular on many campuses throughout the country during the month of April, because it is Sexual Assault Awareness month.