On April 28, the annual Take Back the Night event took place at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
The event was organized by University Health Services Counseling Center Interim Director Deb Cohen and supported by Professor of Communication Jessie Quintero Johnson, whose research throughout her career has had a focus on various aspects of health as well.
The event, in its twelfth year, aims to educate attendees about gender-based violence.
The event consisted of a day-long program, including several workshops related to pertinent issues, a movie showing and discussion, poetry performances, and information sessions.
Additionally, several survivors of sexual violence attended the all-day affair, sharing their stories and experiences of struggle with the audience.
Attendees gained theoretical and legal knowledge about Title IX along with resources for survivors in an information session hosted by UMass Boston Interim Chief Diversity Officer Georgianna Melendez and UMass Boston Assistant Director of Off-Campus Housing Keith Waak.
Several sessions featured presentations and appearances from outside organizations. They gave a real-life glimpse into work pertaining to survivors of sexual violence.
Representatives of the Fenway Community Health’s Violence Recovery Program—a program focused on support for LGBT victims of interpersonal violence through counseling, advocacy, and support groups—explained their work and challenges survivors often face.
The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center led a workshop about consent at the event as well. The organization led a discussion on what consent looks like.
Throughout all the events, survivors in the audience shared their experiences and how they have overcome similar incidents in their past.
One survivor, who wished to remain anonymous, explained in an interview with the Mass Media that often times, victims do not report incidents due to lack of time or pressure from the outside.
“I was worried about what other people think of me. I don’t wanna be judged,” they said. “Outside institution like BARCC help against the fear of rejection and being alone.”
Events like these are important because “we want [survivors] to know that there are services out there,” said Cohen.
Furthermore, Cohen explained why commuter schools like UMass Boston are in need of information sessions and workshops regarding this issue: “My feeling is that commuter students have more need for events like these because at other schools with dorms, they can turn to an RA or someone similar.”
Professor Quintero also commented positively on the increase of awareness surrounding this issue, pointing out that “public conversations have become much more mainstream. Now we see legislation happening.”
For more information, additional resources, or help, go to:
Fenway Health: fenwayhealth.org
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: barcc.org
The Network La Red: tnlr.org
Jane Doe Inc: MA Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence: janedoe.org
Know Your IX: http://knowyourix.org
SafeLink (MA statewide, free, 24/7, and multilingual domestic violence hotline): 1-877-785-2020