Take Back the Night is an annual event hosted by Women in Learning and Leadership (WILL) that takes place on the UM-Dearborn campus. It is a night to raise awareness for and show solidarity with sexual assault survivors and domestic violence survivors. 

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While the awareness of survivors’ trauma has increased, these acts of violence still perpetuate in our society and contribute to victimization of innocent people. 

Due to stigma and victim blaming, survivors are not seeking justice which then leads to abusers remaining unprosecuted, free from the punishments of their actions. Even survivors who do come forward face many legal barriers within the criminal justice system, preventing these survivors from receiving their due justice.

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Creating a safe space for survivors to share their stories is the first step in returning their voices and allowing them to regain the sense of control which is often lost as a result of violence/trauma.

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Traditionally, Take Back the Night has revolved around survivors voicing their stories and a march around campus in which individuals advocate for putting an end to sexual assault and domestic violence. Survivors and those who support survivors come together to create a safe environment to learn about sexual assault and domestic violence, why these issues still plague our society, how to help survivors, and, most importantly, that this violence is never the victim’s fault.

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With the virtualization of our world due to COVID-19, Take Back the Night will be held on Zoom this year with a panel of speakers who will discuss the stigma surrounding sexual assault and domestic violence as well as ways to support survivors, especially in the era of COVID-19. 

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The event will take place on October 29th from 6 - 8 pm using the following link: https://umich.zoom.us/j/97585114581

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We can’t wait to see you there!