U of Tennesee holds vigil against sexual assault

One hundred women marched in the University of Tennesee's Take Back The Night gathering to protest against sexual and domestic violence. TBTN originated in London back in 1977, and stateside in San Francisco back in 1978, and originally was held to protest street violence against women, but now consists of a vigil and march against men’s violence towards women, most of which is done by people they know.

The Clothesline Project originated in Massachusetts in 1990 as an art project for victims of violence against women. People are encouraged to write on shirts and then symbolically hang them up on the clothesline. Over two dozen shirts were made at UT’s event.

“I had heard the event was really powerful, but I had no idea how emotional it was going to be,” said Anne Marie Sherman, junior in social work and child and family studies. “Events like this are great because you see that you truly are a part of the sisterhood. You realize the true sisterhood you have with women.”

TBTN continued with introductions from WCC members, a presentation from Kali Meister, and an open-mic session for attendees to share their stories.

Jane Peoples, executive director of the Safe Haven Center for assault victims, said the following:

“We must affirm a woman’s right to live free from fear of sexual assault or violence. We have a right to fight for our aunts, our sisters, our children because they have a right not to be afraid,”

“Rape is about keeping us in our place. Rape is about degrading women. We must fight for the right to go to a party without the fear of being seduced into drug or alcohol assault.”

Kali Meister, a DV and CSA survivor who was raped during a nightly walk, said that the term “survivor” is inappropriate because it implies the lack of control the woman had over her life.

“I call myself a thriver. I refuse to settle for anything less. I will not be silenced ever again. Thriving is what I wish for all of you.”

After Meister finished, the “Speak Out” session, where women shared stories of abuse, began, and the stories continued even into the candlelight vigil.

Sarah Cleeton, a sophomore in political science and German said, “I don’t feel in danger every day, but I can see how you would. I don’t feel out of the group here. I feel completely accepted.”

A dozen forcible sex offenses were reported between 2004 & 2006, according to the University of Tennesee's Police Department.

Reference:

Take Back The Night raises awareness of sexual assault