Coalition raises sexual abuse awareness

Take Back the Night hosts speakers, performances, vigil, Clothesline Project

Kathryn Gariano / staff photographer Senior Erin McElwain reads through T-shirts that were part of the Clothesline Project in the Transitions room of Warren Hall.

Take Back the Night, an event that involves raising awareness about domestic and sexual abuse, hosted two speakers who discussed their experiences with abuse Tuesday night.

Take Back the Night is a national event that allows students and community members to pay tribute to sexual assault and domestic violence victims and raise awareness about these problems, according to senior Erin Burns, Take Back the Night Coalition head.

This was JMU’s ninth year hosting the event. The program has steadily grown since it started and now includes about 80 coalition members at JMU who had been planning this event since late October.

Burns said the event is an evening that promotes the healing of assault victims and the enlightenment of the community.

“This evening brings together courageous students and community members whose voices shed light on the violence that men and women face every day,” she added.

One of the greatest challenges while organizing Take Back the Night was keeping it personal, Burns said. Sexual abuse and domestic violence often are sensitive subjects and it is imperative to create an environment on our campus that allows understanding and healing, she added.

Another goal of Take Back the Night was to spread awareness about the sexual abuse of men. Jackson Baynard (’03) was a speaker who focused on his experience with sexual abuse.

Baynard repeatedly was abused by his fourth and fifth grade elementary school teacher and has since started speaking to represent male victims of sexual abuse.

“Letting people hear a male survivor speak can encourage others to come forward,” he said. “We hear about date rape and what happens to women. We have to understand that these things happen to men, too.”

Baynard spoke about the importance of providing support and understanding for victims. He stressed that it must be understood that the victim is never to blame.

Sophomore Ashley Bullard, a volunteer for Take Back the Night, said this cause has helped her regain power over her life.

“Take Back the Night was a chance for survivors and their supporters to speak out,”she said. “It is also a wake up call for many as well. It makes the issue more human.”

Senior Kara Farley said Take Back the Night is important for JMU students because sexual assault has happened on this campus.

“I think it’s something all students should see because it raises awareness about things that have happened on this campus, and it is a reflection of fellow students dedicating themselves to this cause,” Farley said.

Burns expressed her gratitude for all that were involved in this event.

“With help, we are able to raise awareness about sexual assault and violence and take a step toward ending sexual crimes against women and men,” Burns said.