Originated in the 1970s, Take Back the Night is the oldest worldwide movement against sexual violence. In response to a large increase in assaults, activists led this event advocating for the right for women to be able to walk home alone without the fear of being harmed.
At MSU, Take Back the Night honors history while evolving to include ending sexual violence for people of any identity.
This event was put on by VARP, the Violence Awareness and Response Program. This year, they partnered with the Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA), Fraternity & Sorority Life and Residential Life.
“We have a history of partnering with CADA for Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Month. In previous years, they have supported our tabling events, served as guest speakers for panels & classrooms, and provided both presence and written word at Take Back the Night,” said Denise Crisafi, the Director of Violence Awareness & Response Program. “As a community resource serving a nine-county region, including Blue Earth County, CADA’s mission is to provide safety and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence through education, advocacy, and shelter. CADA and VARP rely heavily upon each other, to ensure the safety & wellness needs of survivors is adequately met. During Sexual Assault Prevention & Awareness Month, we make it a priority to increase our campus’s knowledge about CADA as a resource, and also support their ongoing services through active fundraising.”
This year, VARP has newly partnered with fraternities and sororities, as well as Residential Life. Both organizations had ideas about advocating for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so they reached out to VARP. As a team, they worked together to put on this event.
