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Wittenberg students will convene in front of the Benham-Pence Student Center to "Take Back the Night." |
Wittenberg's Sociology Club, Office of Multicultural Programs, the Department of Women's Studies, the Office of Greek Life, Students Taking Action Now Dammit (STAND), the Office of Residence Life, the Gay Straight Alliance, W.A.G.E. Womyn’s Center and Concerned Black Students are working together to create a program to educate people about the alarming statistics and how everyone has a responsibility to end violence against women.
Scheduled to run approximately two hours, the program will include a presentation by Sarah Garten, Wittenberg class of 2007, an opportunity for silent reflection, a Speak Out session and a unity march. Garten is employed by Project Woman, a Springfield organization that provides services for women who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault and rape.
The Speak Out session provides a forum for survivors to share their experiences. The unity march is intended to show support for survivors and advocate for ways to reduce violence against women.
"The first step toward change is to end the silence," said co-student organizer Emily Beavers, class of 2009 from Columbus, Ohio, who recently completed an internship with Project Woman. "Sexual assault and rape is something that is very personal and stigmatized, and often women fear stepping out and sharing their stories.
"This event is my personal contribution to ending the silence."
Majoring in sociology, minoring in women's studies and also graduating next month with a degree in Interdepartmental Studies concentrating in Africana Studies, Beavers will attend The Ohio State University to earn a graduate degree in social work. Challenged to ignite change by her Wittenberg professors, she hopes to inspire others to become more active in the fight against sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse and any other form of violence against women.
Written By: Ryan Maurer
Photo By: Erin Pence
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