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Next week, Take Back the Night (TBTN), an annual campaign spearheaded by the Association of Lafayette Feminists (ALF), will feature an open mic night, speakers, panel discussions on sexual assault, self defense classes, and a candlelight vigil at various locations on campus.
Throughout the week, bracelets will be sold for $1 at the brown bag discussions. Proceeds will benefit Turning Point, a local shelter for victims of abuse and their children working to end domestic violence by educating people and empowering victims.
“The mission of TBTN is to educate people about rape, sexual assault, and violence – both domestic and general – against women in the hopes of preventing these violent acts from occurring,” says ALF co-president Katie Thompson ’09 (Glenside, Pa.). “While TBTN’s primary focus is women, this is not exclusive, as men can be victims as well. What we really hope to do is take back the night for everyone. No one should have to feel afraid when walking after dark. No one should be in a relationship that isn’t loving and nonviolent.
“TBTN is about building a community that understands these issues and is committed to not allowing violent acts like rape and sexual assault to take place on our campus.”
Events are sponsored and supported by ALF, Alpha Pi sorority, Amnesty International, Lafayette College Hillel Society, Lafayette Environmental Awareness and Protection (LEAP), Questioning Established Sexual Taboos (QuEST), student government, Students for SocialJustice (SSJ), women’s studies department, and Writing Organization Reaching Dynamic Students (W.O.R.D.S.).
Thompson, an American studies major, is both a Marquis and a McKelvy Scholar. She is a writing associate, and writes for the Arts and Entertainment section of the Lafayette. She participates in the Arts Society, The Journey, LEAP, and SSJ. Thompson also co-hosts a radio show on WJRH.
The only nonprofit organization dedicated to the elimination of domestic violence in the Lehigh Valley, Turning Point educates and supports abuse victims to help them discover and tap into their strengths and abilities. In 2001, the agency served 3,700 victims of domestic violence. To access Turning Point’s services, call its 24-hour hotline, (610) 437-3369.
TBTN schedule of events: