Marching into the night

Thirty men trailed the group of about 175 women as they marched through the Sample Gates and down Kirkwood Avenue for the annual "Take Back the Night" Monday evening.\nBut these men weren't late, they weren't stragglers, but instead they were literally standing behind the women and supporting them in their protest against sexual assault and domestic violence against women. \n"It is very symbolic standing behind all these women," said former Bloomington resident Daniel Gruner. "Because all we can do is be in a supportive role for them. We can't do it for them."\nBefore beginning their trek across campus and to the Monroe County Courthouse, the crowd gathered at 6:30 p.m. in Dunn Meadow to hear speeches, listen to live music and attend booths set up by various student and community organizations that sponsored the event. \n"Tonight we take a stand against domestic violence," said president of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance Megan Sharkey. "Tonight we have an opportunity to 'take back the night.'"\nGender studies professor Julie Thomas, one of speakers during the event, fervently expressed a need for community and University officials to do more to prevent sexual assault. \n"Bloomington and Indiana foster a rape culture," Thomas said. "The University is in denial of the prevalence of rape. They need to hear from you now."\nThomas went on to say that up to 75 rapes occurred at IU last year and demanded that the University provide a full-time educator to speak about violence prevention to men, a comprehensive rape prevention program and to help stop myths, jokes and portrayals that encourage violence against women. \nHundreds of candles placed inside small Dixie cups were then passed out among the attendees standing and sitting in Dunn Meadow, as a candlelight vigil was held in memory of the victims of rape and domestic violence. The names of several local victims were then called out as a somber moment of silence followed.\nBefore lining up to begin the march, Nigel Pizzini, adviser of the newly formed Men's Coalition, requested all men march behind the women in order to show their support while allowing them to exercise their independence. \n"It's important to show our support and help prevent (domestic violence)," said sophomore Michael Raunick. "Also we need to show men are part of the solution and not the problem."\nMarching from the meadow, around Showalter Fountain, by Ballantine Hall and then through the Sample Gates, most of the men abided by the request and brought up the rear of the marching crowd, while some still remained alongside the women. \nChanting sayings such as "Women unite, we'll never be defeated" and "Survivors unite, take back the night" throughout the entire march, the crowd became silent as they crossed Washington Street in order to show remembrance to the victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. \nReaching the courthouse, the men and women split up as each went to opposite sides to hear several speeches and then had the opportunity to participate in an open-mic speak-out to voice past experiences or their views. \n"The more voices, the more we are accomplishing," said freshman Marie Ngouen. "If just everyone was involved, then we can do so much"