Women unite, remember

Women suffer from sexual abuse and relationship violence every day. National statistics show that one in four women will be raped. But the women of IU are taking a stand against sexual assault.\nTake Back the Night -- an annual event to protest violence against women -- begins today. Organizers said they hope people of both sexes will help raise awareness of the continuing sexual abuse and violence toward women on campus.\n"In a sense, these public statements of issues give the opportunity for individuals who have been victims or allies of victims to make a statement on sexual assault and domestic violence," said Dean of Students Richard McKaig. "These are issues my office deals with prominently and I will be there to show support."\nThe event starts at 7 p.m. today at Showalter Fountain with a candlelight vigil in remembrance of all of the victims of violence in the community. The solemn event includes musical performances by Ladies First and the Bloomington Feminist Choir. Poetry readings will also be featured along with a special message of healing by Rebecca Jiminez. Jiminez, a spiritual adviser, will discuss ways women can recover from rape.\n"We ask to 'take back the night' because women have the right to feel safe in Bloomington, both in public and at home," said senior Jimmanee Spears, chair of the Take Back the Night committee. "The darkness of night represents the isolation of silence because victims of relationship violence and rape are expected to remain quiet about the crimes committed against them."\nTomorrow the event will take a more active approach with a rally and march. Thought to be the biggest Take Back the Night Rally in Indiana, and possibly the Midwest, the 7 p.m. rally at Dunn Meadow will feature musical performances by Straight No Chaser and Delusions of Grandeur and speakers such as State Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond.\n"It is a sad event," said junior Corinne Reynolds, a member of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance. "But it is important for people to hear about other people's experiences. It is a really big issue and something that needs to be recognized more." \nThe rally will conclude with participants joining and chanting a march through Bloomington's streets to the Monroe County Courthouse, intended to be a visual reminder of all the women who have been victimized.\nAt the Courthouse, everyone will be invited to share stories and add ideas that might make Bloomington a safer environment for all people. The main focus is for women to quit being afraid and to speak out with each other about the injustices they have faced.\n"The court system, the police and society contribute to this expectation of silence for women," Spears said. "But women are never to blame when they are victims of rape and or domestic violence. No matter what they wear, no matter what they say, no matter where they go, women have the right to be safe"