The voices will rise in unison around a singular message — sexual violence cannot be tolerated.
For a problem that pervades every aspect of society, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and other violations too often are hidden in the shadows.
Local advocates want to shine a light and show those who have been impacted that they are supported.
“It is vital to the community and survivors alike to be aware that we have partnerships with valuable resources available to those in need,” said Michele Lee, director of Turning Point Domestic Violence Services of Johnson County. “It also shows survivors they are not alone and that advocates are available to them to assist them in navigating their journey to recovery.”
The community will once again gather at Franklin College on Thursday for the annual Take Back the Night event. Starting with a rally on campus, the gathering is intended to bring awareness to sexual assault and the resources and supports available in our community, Lee said.
The keynote speaker for the event is Michelle Corrao, a rape survivor who has dedicated her life to being an advocate for victims of violent crime.
“I share my story for one reason: that others might understand what is possible. I understand feeling alone and helpless; I felt like I would never be happy or safe again,” Corrao said in a statement. “But feelings don’t tell us the truth about the future. I couldn’t have predicted the horror I would face as a result of that attack, nor could I have predicted the beautiful life that was able to grow out of the ugliest circumstances imaginable.”
The rally will be followed by a march from Franklin College to the Johnson County courthouse, an educational gathering with free food and beverages, then the march back. The final activity is “speak out” — which gives survivors and supporters an opportunity to share experiences, feelings, prepared creative expressions and encouragement.
“Take Back the Night is important so that we can give the issue of sexual violence a voice to bring awareness and show support for survivors,” said Sarah Kinder, director of counseling at Franklin College. “We need our community to know how extensive this is in order to work to end it, and we want those who have endured it, to not feel shame and to know there are people acknowledging their pain and working to end it.”
Take Back the Night is an international campaign aimed at ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence. Though the rallies have been ongoing since the 1960s, this will be the fifth such event conducted in Franklin.
Organizers of the local event include the college, ASSIST Indiana and Turning Point Domestic Services. The reason behind bringing it here is the pervasiveness of this type of violence.
According to the Department of Justice, another American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. A survey by the National Institute of Justice and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 1 of every 6 women in the United States has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime, while about 3% of men — or 1 in 33 — have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
This is a problem affecting everyone, Lee said.
“Sexual assault is significant no matter the county. Johnson County is fortunate to have the partnerships of Turning Point, ASSIST and Franklin College. We are working together to remove the stigma that is often associated with sexual assault. We believe it is important to unpack myths and excuses used around sexual assault to end sexual violence,” she said.
Though housed at Franklin College, organizers emphasize that everyone is welcome to take part in the event. On Thursday afternoon, people will gather on the college’s Dame Mall Ellipse as a variety of speakers, including Corrao, energize and educate the crowd.
For the last 20 years, Corrao has worked in victim services. She is an international bestselling author, keynote speaker and compassionate advocate for victims of violent crimes.
In her current role as executive director at The O’Connor House in Carmel, she leads programs that provide women who are single, pregnant and homeless with safe housing and opportunities to improve life for themselves and their children.
Corrao is the recipient of the Special Courage Award, presented by the U.S. Attorney General, and became the first-ever recipient of the Distinguished Hoosier Award.
“Her story is a powerful message that you can be a victim once, but you will always be a survivor. It is how you take your experiences and advocate with and for others,” Lee said. “She is that person, using her courage to do the work as an advocate to bring change for survivors. She is an inspiration.”
Following the rally, the group is invited to march from campus to the Johnson County courthouse —all the while using chants and slogans to attract attention.
“The march allows survivors to yell and scream while gaining traction in growing the courage to tell their own stories,” Lee said.
Once the procession reaches the east side of the courthouse, speakers and representatives from area groups that work to end sexual and domestic violence will address the crowd.
Resources educating people about the signs of abuse and how to help people in their lives will be available.
After the march back to campus, the speak-out will take place at the Dietz Center on Franklin College’s campus. The powerful display is also a place where people can raise their voices to make their experiences heard, in a supportive environment where help is available.
“This is important because for some, this might be the first time they have shared what happened to them out loud or with more than one other person and that can be cathartic and is a step in taking back some of the power they have lost,” Kinder said. “It is impactful for supporters to hear survivors’ stories and likewise, it is impactful for survivors to know supporters care enough to show up to give them that space and to hear messages of support and love.”
IF YOU GO
Take Back the Night
What: A community demonstration, rally and speak-out to bring awareness to the problem of sexual, domestic and physical violence.
When: 3:30 p.m. Thursday
Who: Organized by Franklin College, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services and ASSIST Indiana.
Where: The rally starts at Dame Mall Ellipse on Franklin College’s campus, before marching to the county courthouse and back to Franklin College.
Who can participate: The event is open to the public.
