Local organizations stand up to sexual violence with Take Back the Night event

Students and community members marched across the Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) campus today, helping to raise awareness and put a stop to sexual violence. This was just one portion of an event called Take Back the Night.

Traditionally, these events are held at night, but organizers wanted to hold it while more students were on campus. The first part of the event included a resource fair, followed by speakers and then the march and a candlelight vigil.

"It's just our way of, kind of standing up against power-based violence and sexual trauma and, letting survivors know that we got their back and then also letting our students know about community resources and how to keep safe," said Erin Frock, Lead Counselor of TMCC's Counseling Center.

Take Back the Night is a national campaign, but locals head up the event here. Wednesday's event was put on by the TMCC Counseling Center, Safe Embrace, and several veterans' groups. One attendee, a current TMCC student, said seeing these groups come together hit hard for her, as a domestic abuse survivor and veteran.

"There was a lot of resources, but I didn't quite understand what they were or how to get to them," said Melissa Woodward. "So, events like these allow me to get all the resources. I grab a couple extra copies, and I post it around so that way nobody feels how I felt."

Organizers and attendees wanted to remind the community that anyone facing these struggles are not alone and there are people who will help.

More information about Take Back the Night can be found here: Home - Take Back the Night | End Sexual & Domestic Violence | Get Help!

Local resources:

Safe Embrace

(775) 322-3466

https://safeembrace.org

Veterans Affairs (Reno)

(800) 827-1000

Reno VA Regional Benefit Office | Veterans Affairs

Domestic Violence Resource Center

(775) 329-4150

https://domesticviolenceresourcecenter.org