Take Back the Night brought together a large crowd of students to confront an issue that is often discussed quietly, if at all. The event was hosted by the Title IX Office of and The Office of Residence Life and Housing.
Around the room, posters presented national and campus statistics about sexual assault, highlighting the prevalence of violence affecting both women and men. Students moved between tables, reading facts that were difficult to ignore. The information was not new to many, but seeing it displayed publicly reinforced an important truth: Sexual assault is not a distant issue, it is one that impacts college communities across the globe.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening came during a collective moment of silence. That pause served as a reminder of survivors who have shared their stories, those who have not and those who may still be navigating their experiences in silence. Events like Take Back the Night continue to exist not because awareness has failed, but because sexual assault and violence continues.
In 2026, conversations surrounding consent, reporting and survivor support remain necessary. Public acknowledgement creates a space for survivors to feel seen and for communities to examine their role in prevention.
According to graduate assistant with the Office of Resident Life and Housing Jasper King, “A quarter of men experience sexual assault violence at some point in their life as well as young adults between the ages of 11 and 17.”
She also reminded students, “to be sensitized to what’s happening because it doesn’t occur to a lot of people that sexual assault happens more frequently than they may think and to not be a bystander.”
Their message emphasized that the evening was not only about statistics, but about fostering understanding and encouraging students to utilize available resources. Organizations present at the event echoed that sentiment.
Gamma Phi Beta shared information about support services, reporting options and a game that highlights some scenarios that may not be very easy to talk about.
“You can always talk to someone about it, and if you have questions there’s either someone who might have the same question or someone who has the answers. So just a lot of open minds all come together to help hold support for something that really is worldwide,” Gamma Phi Beta member Emily Diehl said.
Their presence reinforced that advocacy does not end when the event concludes; it continues through ongoing outreach and student engagement.
While the event itself was brief, its purpose extended beyond a single gathering. Take Back the Night demonstrated that awareness is only the beginning. The real work requires continued conversations, accountability and a willingness to support those affected. The event served as a reminder that prevention does not begin in crisis, it begins in acknowledgement.
