March to 'take back' campus safety

About 100 students and community members are planning to march down Kirkwood Avenue tonight in an effort to call attention to domestic violence and sexual assault. \nThe annual "Take Back the Night" event first started more than 25 years ago in Europe in an effort to make the streets safer at night for women. It has now spread to college campuses nationwide and cities throughout the world, as organizers try to put an end to all types of violence against women.\n"This event has been going on for years, not just in Bloomington, but around the world," said president of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance Megan Sharkey. "It's important especially here in Bloomington because we have such a large community and a large student community. (Domestic violence) occurs a lot here, unfortunately." \nBeginning at 6:30 p.m., the event will commence with a candlelight vigil in Dunn Meadow in remembrance of women who have been victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Several speakers will be making presentations and live music will be played as well. \nAt 7:30 p.m., the group plans to begin its march around campus, through the Sample Gates and down Kirkwood Avenue until it reaches the Monroe County Courthouse. There, an open-microphone speak-out will give anyone an opportunity to share the impact of domestic violence or sexual assault on their lives. Finally, a reception will be held at 10 p.m. at Encore Cafe, 3220 E. Third St. \n"Our main goal is to bring awareness to people who may not be aware or have little understanding of domestic violence," Sharkey said. "I hope that people who have never experienced an event like this or don't know a lot about domestic violence come to this event to learn what's going on in our community, society and world."\nAs opposed to last year's separate events for men and women, Sharkey said this year both sexes are encouraged to attend all events together. However, she added, they will ask the men to march behind the women, in a more supportive role. There will also be two separate open-mic speak-outs at the courthouse, one for the men and one for women, but only a small distance will separate them. \nThrough the speak-outs and other activities during the night, organizers are hoping to encourage discussion and draw attention to a topic generally shunned from public conversation.\n"I feel our society doesn't address the topic," Sharkey said. "It's something we just don't talk about. It's one of those hush-hush things. This event brings a voice to the movement to end domestic violence."\nThe event is sponsored and coordinated by several IU students and Bloomington community members. Sharkey said the three main student groups taking part are the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, Women's Student Association and Friends of Middle Way House. The City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women is also among the event's co-sponsors. \nAll proceeds from the event will go to benefit the Middle Way House, a Bloomington organization that aims to end violence in the lives of women and children. The group services much of southern Indiana and has expanded globally as well. \nSharkey said they are hoping for about 100 people to attend the event, including 30 from the men's coalition, plus 50 members from the community. She added several student organizations will be present in Dunn Meadow, and she hopes many of their members come as well.