By Rachel Rodgers/Administration Editor
Sarah Thoren, 21, leads the Take Back the Night march through campus Thursday. Thoren has been to every take back the night since she was 1 month old.(Danny Damiani | The Daily Eastern News)
Starting one month after she was born, Sarah Thoren has attended every “Take Back the Night” annual event, this marking her 21st march.
There were more than 350 people who marched throughout campus who held candles and chanted to demonstrate how they fight the aspect of sexual violence.
“For me, personally, growing up around this taught me about my rights as a woman, even as a little girl, and I think that it has educated me and empowered me,” said Thoren, a medical administration assistant major at Lakeland College. “I am my own person and
I am so thankful for this wonderful community that shows their heartfelt support every year.”
Thoren said one aspect that made this year’s event more unique than previous years is the fact that it was the last “Take Back the Night” for the director of the Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service before she retires.
Bonnie Buckley, who has been the director of SACIS for 33 years, said she thought this year’s event had the most impact on others.
“We had the best ‘Speak Out’ that we have ever had and this is the first time we have a special guest speak,” Buckley said. “It was wonderful to see how people could open up and share what has happened to them in their lives, and hear how they feel supported.”
The “Speak Out” occurred after the march, and it was a campfire-discussion where people could choose to speak about their history of sexual abuse.
Guest speaker Chong Kim, who was sexually trafficked in the 1990s, said she had been to many “Take Back the Night” events, but she felt this was the best she had experienced.
“I love that this gave the opportunity for other women to speak out and share their stories, and have the chance to assist them in their journey of healing,” Kim said. “Even for those who didn’t share, they can still know in the back of their minds that they are supported.”
Kim said she thought it meant a lot to her that there were a lot of men present supporting an anti-violent cause.
“I think this event is crucial in that it gives victims the ability to get their voice back and not be afraid, and I love that feeling,” Kim said. “It gives them the reassurance that even though the world may fall apart, that we are still here standing.”
Kwame Patterson, a senior health administration major, said he thought “Take Back the Night” was a great way to give women
confidence and show them that people out there care.
“It is also great that men can see what women have to go through and we can show them that we are supportive,” Patterson said.
Erin Williams, a senior psychology major, said the event provided a camaraderie with other people and gave everyone the chance to speak their peace and share their stories.
“It is definitely empowering,” Williams said.
Rachel Rodgers can be reached
at 581-7942 or rjrodgers@eiu.edu.
The Daily Eastern News 