On Oct. 26, Loyola and Tulane will host their annual event Take Back the Night, a march where students stand together against sexual- and gender-based violence. The night is devoted to expressing solidarity with victims and acknowledging the severity and prevalence of sexual violence. All too often, however, participants take part in the event and then fail to take action against sexual violence for the rest of the year.

To properly combat sexual violence, individuals must continue the discussion of sexual assault that Take Back the Night initiates. While the event will raise the issues, it is the duty of those who attend to continue bringing them to light. In large part, this mission must consist of education and discussion.

An essential focus of Take Back the Night is the variety of forms sexual violence can take. We often think of the violent archetype associated with rape and overlook other possible forms. It is essential to understand the true meaning of rape and to educate ourselves on the laws regarding sexual violence. Participating in Take Back the Night indicates a commitment to fight against all non-consensual sex, not just the stereotypical form of rape.

Additionally, students must realize that sexual violence can affect anyone in any place. While the march may symbolically reclaim the street for victims and survivors, the issue extends far beyond this space. Take Back the Night is about keeping individuals safe in public spaces, at parties, in dorm buildings, and in every space we inhabit. The event is about how we act every day to ensure we are fighting violence and to guarantee that the struggle does not halt at the conclusion of the march.