Photo courtesy of College Feminists
This week, College Feminists will be hosting a series of programming for Take Back the Night Week. Take Back the Night is a movement that dates back to the 1970s, and was created to fight against sexual violence and advocate for safer communities. NU will host its own Take Back the Night March on Thursday night, followed by a survivor speakout at Dittmar Gallery, in addition to several other events throughout the week.
"These events will benefit our community because they provide a space to have important discussions about the issue of sexual violence,” Take Back the Night organizer Hannah Johnson said in an email. “We are lucky to have many people from both in and outside of the Northwestern community who will be speaking on the issue, and Take Back the Night will be a great learning experience for everyone who attends these events."
Monday: Sexual Violence and the LGBTQ+ Community - Locy 111, 7:30 p.m.
Trans Liberation Collective activists Jacob Millhouse Record and Stephanie Skora, along with Anti-Violence Project at the Center on Halsted Director Jessica Punzo will discuss activism surrounding the effort to end sexual violence against the LGBTQ+ community. All are welcome to attend.
Tuesday: Rape Law in Flux - Kresge 2-430, 7 - 8 p.m.
Northwestern law professor Deborah Tuerkheimer, who specializes in feminist legal theory and criminal law, will discuss the effects President Trump's administration may have on sexual violence legislation. She will also touch on other laws relating to sexual assault and rape.
Wednesday: "Audrie and Daisy" documentary screening - Harris 107, 7 p.m.
If you're interested in seeing a film about how sexual assault can affect women and their communities, this screening is for you. "Audrie and Daisy" is a movie about what happens to two teenage girls after they both pass out at a party and are sexually assaulted by boys they previously considered friends, and the subsequent harassment and backlash that results.
Thursday: March and survivor speakout - The Rock, 5:30 p.m.
In solidarity with the women who have marched in past Take Back the Night Marches, Northwestern sexual violence survivors and community will march from the Rock down Sheridan Road on Thursday. Weinberg freshman Adam Davies will be the march's kickoff speaker.
"I’m always most excited about the march and survivor speak out,” Johnson said. “It is a great opportunity for our community to come together in support of survivors, and for survivors to have a safe and supporting space to share their stories. Given the recent events and allegations on our own campus, I think that this event is especially important for our community.”
Saturday: Self-Defense workshop - SPAC Studio 1A, 3 p.m.
In Take Back the Night's final event, all are welcome to learn some tips and tricks for self-defense. According to the Women's Self-Defense Institute, there will be 24 sexual assaults and 12 rapes sometime in the next hour in the U.S., but learning how to defend yourself can be a great way to feel safer in your community.
Editor's Note: This story was updated on April 24 at 12:36 p.m. to include additional quotes and information from organizer Hannah Johnson.