This evening you will be reminded that one in four women worldwide and one in
six men experience sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and
sexual abuse. College age women are three times more likely than women in
general to experience sexual violence.
This event is designed to show the
survivors of sexual violence that they are not alone. There are people, agencies,
and services available to them and there are individuals who care.
Oh, why you look so sad?
the tears are in your eyes, come on and talk to me now.
"Take Back the Night" is a worldwide effort to combat sexual violence and
violence against women. The Take Back the Night Foundation is a non-profit charity
whose mission is to end sexual violence in all forms including sexual assault,
sexual abuse, dating violence, and domestic violence.
The goal of this movement is to empower survivors in the healing process and focus on the power
of speaking out.
I know now that... it was not my fault. I have to tell myself constantly that it
was not my fault. But I still carry around that guilt. I still I know I'm
sitting there going I could have stopped that from happening.. and I didn't.
And I wonder, you know, how many people had experienced something very similar. And I
know, I know, I'm talking to somebody in this room. It might not just be one
person but I know I'm talking to somebody in this room who's experienced
this and has had those exact same thoughts. And I need you to hear me when
I say, "It was not your fault."
So, if you're mad, get mad....
don't hold it all inside,
Come on and talk to me now.
Hey, whatcha got to hide?
I get angry too,
well, I'm alive like you.
You're standing at the crossroads don't now which path to choose,
Let me come along, cause even if you're wrong
I'll stand by you
"No more silence, no more violence "
"No more silence, No more Violence"
"Join together, realize"
"we will not be victimized"
And when, when the night falls on you baby
You're feeling all alone, you won't be on your own.
Cause I'll stand by you
I guess that's what I want to leave you with is just, if this has not happened to
you you very likely know somebody who it has. It's extremely difficult to talk
about these things. And if someone chooses you, please feel very honored
that they chose you to share with. Because that means that they trust you
enough to give that part of them away. And you kind of know they're probably
doubting a lot of things... they're making excuses in their heads for what
happened to them. And the best thing you can do is just make them feel valued and heard.
I'll Stand By You