As a senior and as a survivor of intimate partner violence, I can easily say that this past Take Back the Night was the most successful that I have attended. I was blown away by the strength of my fellow survivors, as well as the keynote speaker, Crystal Leigh Endsley. She, above all else, sent messages to the audience about speaking out, loving one another, and using whatever platforms we have to be resilient in the face of inequalities, injustices and hurt, whether that be by spoken word poetry, or singing, or simply treating one another with kindness on a daily basis.

I was also pleasantly surprised at the turnout of students for the event, especially as the coordinators and myself were concerned there might be fewer students due to the suggestion that large groups such as sports teams and fraternities no longer mandate attendance. It seemed as if all the students who did come, did so of their own volition and were there to listen and support. This was also evident during the chanting later on, as typically there are issues of some students not taking it seriously and joking inappropriately throughout. This year the chants were strong and all members participated, and I was really impressed.

What I was most taken aback by was the length of time that everyone stayed at the candlelight vigil and all of the concerns students brought up in that space. Students came forward to discuss how they personally felt impacted by the night, how the violence we see is structural and due to rape culture that exists on our campus. Many offered support while also encouraging all who were there to be empowered, to take action whenever possible to comfort a friend or significant other who needs support as a victim or survivor, to challenge viewpoints of friends that are wrong or to encourage the insidious rape culture not unique to Dickinson, but just as present. The vigils have usually lasted only a few minutes in the past three years I have gone to Take Back the Night, but this year, it seemed that everyone really needed the space and wanted to be present with one another, and this made the night extremely meaningful and impactful for me, as well as I imagine many of the individuals who took time out of their evening to show solidarity and seek healing.

I would have loved to have seen a larger faculty turnout, as I could only recognize a handful who came out. I know that having support from more faculty and staff, as well as the large number of students who typically come, would help to send the message that this is a campus wide issue that affects all of its members.

To my fellow survivors, you inspire me, awe me and I was honored to stand alongside you last night, and will continue to stand in solidarity with you moving forward. There is strength in speaking out, there is strength in silence and there is strength in suffering. You all are beautiful human beings and are worthy of finding your own path to healing. To anyone who did not make it to Take Back the Night, I would like to re-state words brought forth at the vigil by Professor Baughman, from the psychology department – be the person who meets someone wherever they are on their journey. Be that person, for that is one of the huge ways we can begin to heal collectively and make change on our campus and in the world.