Students raise over $1,000 for sexual assault prevention

Raising over $1,000, the ninth annual Take Back the Night Benefit Concert was held at Grafton-Stovall Theatre Monday night.

The event included musical performances from Note-oriety, Exit 245, Ross Copperman and Adelyn, as well as an appearance by the Break Dance Club, among others.

The fund-raised money will go toward two speakers, who will bring their personal experiences on various forms of violence to the commons March 30.

The event also was held to raise awareness on violence against women. "Violence against women is the problem we face in America, considering the statistics that one in four women are assaulted," said senior Erin Burns, co-coordinator of Take Back the Night.

New and Improv'd lightened up the crowd with its comedy acts and seniors Jamaal Crowder and Jamaal Anthony performed poetry. Seniors Dante Ricci and Matt Catalano also preformed musical numbers.

"I thought the performances were amazing and very entertaining … and it was a first for me watching the a capella groups, so I got chills from listening to them sing," sophomore Jennie Kim said.

Along with the Women's Resource Center, First Year Involvement, Office of Residence Life and the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention, the Take Back the Night Coalition consists of 80 people.

Take Back the Night is more than just a one-evening event, according to senior Kara Farley, co-coordinator of Take Back the Night. "It is more like an awareness program that allows others to hear survivors and supporters of those survivors tell their story," Farley said.

Take Back the Night began in Germany around 1978, and now has become an annual event for many cities and college campuses in the United States, according to sophomore Katie Lucas, member of the Take Back the Night Coalition.

"It is a way to bring confidence back into the hands of women so that we can stand together and take back the night together," freshman Lauren Hoard said.

Campus Assault ResponsE, a helpline for direct and indirect victims of sexual assault, and One in Four — an anti-sexual assault program that teaches men how to help female victims — are ways students can get involved in helping to end violence against women. For more information on these programs, sponsored by the Women's Resource Center, go to the office in Warren Hall, room 404, or visit its Web site at www.jmu.edu/womensrectr.

If you have any questions or want to become part of the Take Back the Night Coalition, contact Burns at tbtn2004@yahoo.com.