Survivors, friends march against sexual assault, violence

Before today, they were victims. Now, they are survivors.

Advocates, activists and survivors will join together today to promote awareness of sexual and domestic violence at the annual Take Back the Night march and rally.

“We want them to reclaim themselves and say they are survivors,” said Indira Dammu, president of the IU Women’s Student Association. “We call them survivors, not victims.”

Dammu, also an Indiana Daily Student columnist, said the event advocates awareness and is for women from campus and beyond who have been victims of sexual assault. Take Back the Night, part of a campaign held at campuses across the country, is also open to men and other women who want to support awareness. Dammu said the event will feature live music, speakers and a “speak out.”

“The speak out is an open forum for women who have been assaulted or raped, and they talk about what has happened to them,” Dammu said. “It’s one of the most emotional events. Everyone’s crying. It’s really powerful to talk about it with people you haven’t even met.”

One of the speakers, Middle Way House Rape Crisis Services Coordinator Forest King, said she plans to focus on sexual violence prevention.

“Without starting to prevent sexual violence, we’re never going to solve the problem,” King said.

Another part of Take Back the Night is a candlelight vigil.

“There are little tea lights we arrange and people get to light one in memory of the people lost from domestic violence,” said Jessica Glomb, member of the candle committee for the event.

Glomb said she was also on the publicity committee, which sent out fliers, e-mails and press releases to student groups and local organizations such as Middle Way House.

Organizers hope to attract 100 people to the event. Dammu said there were about 80 attendees last year, though the turnout was hampered by rain.

In addition to increasing attendance, one of the main goals of the event’s organizers is to change victim blaming on campus.

“We blame victims a lot for what happens to them,” Dammu said. “It’s deeply disturbing we would question what a woman was wearing or if she was drinking to alleviate the crime that was against her.”

Dammu said she hopes the event helps women who have had to deal with violence.
While survivors of sexual and domestic assault are the majority of people who attend, Glomb said the event should change the attitude of anyone who comes.

“Victim blaming is a huge issue here,” Glomb said. “Right now the focus is on ‘Well, it won’t happen to me.’ I don’t think people are really aware of the consequences of sexual assault and the process the victim goes through to heal.”

Glomb said most people have a similar view toward domestic violence.

“When the stories are read, when there is awareness about domestic violence, their eyes are open to the fact that the victim is not to blame,” Glomb said.

Because of Take Back the Night’s emotional program and strong message, Glomb said local victims look forward to the event.

“It’s very important for them,” Glomb said. “This is how they get their voice and their truth out to the public, so it’s very important to keep events like this going.”