This was my third year attending Take Back the Night. While the event’s purpose was to promote awareness of domestic or sexual violence, we can also recognize that the main focus is wrongful acts upon women. The overwhelming attendees were women from all backgrounds brought together because of the same threat – that we may one day be abused or unfortunately already have been.
The fact that we as women are here in college pursuing careers and being active in student organizations is a testament to how far women have come.
Yet, there is one thing that is still holding us back: our physical vulnerability. Every day we are scared to walk to our cars alone, to take the trash out, to jog before the sun rises. Our fear of being overpowered defines where we walk, when we run errands and how well we sleep at night. If you ask a woman what her fears are, they are her personal safety or the safety of her children. If you ask a man the same question, he might make a joke about losing his hair or being in the dark.
We are subtly made aware of the distinct differences between boys and girls when we first learn to play. Boys play rough games like pirates and warriors. Girls are given dolls and encouraged to play gentler games. In general, the gender roles are defined at a very early age. Then, we grow up to who we are today.
Reluctantly, I do not think it is possible for us to completely eliminate domestic violence and sexual abuse. Men have been using their physical advantage over women since the beginning of time, and I don’t think women are going to grow an outstanding eight inches taller and 70 pounds heavier anytime soon. The threat of physical overpowering will always be there. The message of Take Back the Night and the key to decreasing the female risk is to let people know that gender-based violence is not acceptable. We can make this statement by lobbying for heavier punishments for rape convictions or enforcing stricter sexual codes of conduct at work. We need to make it easier for women to seek help through abuse hotlines, safe houses, free rape forensics at hospitals as well as legal assistance. Just because women may be smaller and easier to take advantage of does not mean it should be our plight.
The best way we can take a stand is through our bond as women. As Dr. White said, “Your sister’s blood cries up from the ground,” and, “Be your sister’s keeper.” We are here not only to share fun times but to keep each other from danger. Take care of your friends and make sure they get home safely. Don’t let them lose control of themselves. And, when something terrible does happen, help him or her get through it. Let your friend know it isn’t their fault. Then, take action against the offender and make an example so that maybe you’ll influence one person to be one less and Take Back the Night.