Written by: Breanna Allen
Some walk in silence. Others carry signs. Many share stories they’ve never spoken aloud before. Take Back the Night (TBTN) at Georgia Tech brings together survivors, allies, and advocates to raise awareness about sexual violence and foster a community rooted in support and safety.
Hosted by the Wellness Empowerment Center (W.E. Center), Take Back the Night has been held annually at Georgia Tech since 1995 as part of the oldest, national movement to stand against sexual violence. The historical event features a candlelight vigil, resource fair, survivor speak-out, and short march around campus. This program is held during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year, it will take place on Monday, April 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Walter G. Ehmer Theater, located in the John Lewis Student Center.
For many students, Take Back the Night is deeply personal and offers a space for survivors to share their stories. Natalia (Nat) Mederios Pinto, a fourth-year psychology major and BRAVE Peer Educator for the W.E. Center, shared her story as a survivor during last year’s Take Back the Night and served as a chant leader during the march.
“Participating in Take Back the Night, especially after telling my story, made me feel believed and supported,’ said Pinto. “It made me realize how common sexual and domestic violence is and that I am not alone, nor do I need to feel ashamed about my story.”
While the event is rooted in lifting survivors’ voices, organizers say it also plays a critical role in educating the broader campus community. Brittany Close, a Sexual Violence Prevention Health Educator for the W.E. Center, emphasizes the importance of educating the campus community about sexual violence.
“I think raising awareness about sexual violence is extremely important on our campus and in our community because, without awareness and having these conversations, the violence will not stop,” said Close. “Awareness plays a key role in accountability, ensuring that perpetrators of all types of sexual violence are held responsible, and that survivors are believed, supported, and connected to resources.”
As the Take Back the Night movement continues to grow, the W.E. Center hopes that this event continues to grow and make a difference at Georgia Tech. “My hope is that Take Back the Night becomes a campus event that is seen as a celebration of human resilience, courage, and expression. It is not only about confronting what is harmful about the human experience but also should be joyful and prideful that we have amongst us survivors that are sharing their experiences to allow others not to feel alone, to be encouraged, and to make a difference for many that they don’t even know,” shared Susannah Fulling-Smith, Assistant Director of GT’s Culture of Respect.
Whether you choose to attend or participate, the W.E. Center encourages that the campus community participate. “There is space for you there, whether you are attending to support someone you love, to stand in solidarity, to learn more, or to reflect on your own experiences,” said Close. “You do not have to speak publicly to participate. Simply showing up contributes to a campus culture that says sexual violence is not tolerated and survivors are not alone.”
If you’ve experienced sexual violence or have questions related to victim-survivor support, referrals, accommodations, and reporting options, and need to speak to a VOICE Advocate for confidential support, contact VOICE at 404-894-900.