Students march for women's safety

By Sharon Nagy, On-Line Forty-Niner

Thursday, November 12, 1998

Carrying candles chanting "Take back the night, women unite," about 200 men and women marched from University Theater on Upper Campus to the Brotman Hall fountain Tuesday night to acknowledge that there are many places, even on campus, which are not safe for women to walk alone.

The annual Take Back the Night Candlelight Vigil was preceeded by a moving 25-minute play, "Drawing the Shades," in which four people dramatized their real-life experiences of sexual assault.

"It was a very moving play," said James Thing, sociology major. "It could almost have made you cry."

A brief discussion about the dynamics of rape and sexual assault followed the play.

"Our goal is to work with you to have a safer campus," said Lynne Coenen, assistant director of the Women's Resource Center. "If you ever have a question know you can contact the University Police, the Women's Resource Center and NOW (National Organization of Women)...know that you are not alone."

Coenen said that the first 72 hours after a rape is the most crucial time to see a doctor.

"Even if it is a year later, it is still important to talk with someone about it," Coenen said.

Brandi Redman, prevention educator for the Sexual Assault Crisis Angency, said getting medical attention after a rape is very important.

"Please keep all articles of clothing; do not bathe, drink [alcohol] or go to the bathroom. Report it as soon as possible," she said. "There is no time limit on talking about rape and starting a recovery."

When the group reached the fountain, Coenen said over a microphone: "I cannot tell you how empowering it was for me to see the group marching. This is an amazing experience. We're here to celebrate that we're on our way."

The annual Take Back The Night candlelight vigil was sponsored by the Long Beach National Orginization for Women, the Sexual Assault Crisis Agency, Associated Students Inc., the Women's commission and the Women's Resource Center.