Editor’s note: This article contains reference to sexual violence.

Every April, the NC State Women’s Center and partner groups observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month. During this time the center hosts workshops, events and dinners involving their leaders, advocates, activists and survivors who work together to provide community and create a safer campus. 

The lobby at Talley Student Union was occupied Thursday, April 11 by Take Back the Night, an annual event organized by the NC State Women’s Center and The Movement Peer Educators. 

Take Back the Night is an international event that has been hosted by universities nationwide for over 50 years. It was organized to raise awareness of sexual violence on campus and show survivors that there is a community that supports them.

The Movement is a student-led collective group that works to educate themselves and others about interpersonal violence. They have workshops throughout the year to address sexual violence, while emphasizing an anti-oppression framework. 

“[Take Back the Night] takes this night and in of itself is a way to reclaim the night for survivors on this particular campus,” said Bhavana Veeravalli, a fourth-year studying graphic design and member of The Movement. “In general, it’s allies, survivors and people that want to advocate for knowing that there’s a community out there.”

Some past workshops included How to Say No, Navigating Conflicts in a Relationship and Supporting Survivors. The members of this group seek to create a community for survivors through education and advocacy. 

“We’re able to hold the heaviness of it because a lot of us in this space are survivors,” said Kiara Bush, a fifth-year student and member of The Movement. “At the same time, I love the expressive workshops because it’s not just the heaviness, but it’s also just figuring out how to express that. It helps you take in the message in a different way than just hearing it and helps you engage your emotions with the process as well.” 

During the event, Ladies in Red, an all-women and non-binary-identifying a capella group, performed while the attendees visited the organization’s tabling. These groups included the Women’s Center, Campus Health and many more.

Valeria Gonzalez, a third-year studying zoology, is a member of The Movement. Gonzalez values the community one can get by being involved with the group and is passionate about the work they do. 

“We rely on our community members to drive our mission forward and see the effects of our work on campus,” Gonzalez said. “It has an intrinsic value to be able to connect people in such a diverse and interconnected way because a lot of people don’t get to see what we do until they step into the Women’s Center. We’re trying to get people to kind of know more, not only about the resources that we offer but also the community that we offer.”

Later, speeches by staff at the Women’s Center and members of The Movement illustrated the effect of sexual violence on victims, expressing personal stories and a communal statement. 

Delana Epps-Avery, director of Intimate Partner Violence Services at the Women’s Center, said in a speech that the event is a call on the Wolfpack community to create a campus that supports survivors.

“We honor the bravery of survivors who have shared their stories, knowing that their courage ignites the spark of change,” Epps-Avery said. “We stand in solidarity with those who are still finding their voices, offering our unwavering support and understanding. As we march tonight, our footsteps echo with determination and hope. Together we will shine a light on the darkness, dispelling ignorance and apathy one step at a time.”

To learn more about the Women’s Center and its resources, visit their website, and for more about The Movement, visit their page. For more history and information about Take Back the Night, check out this article. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship violence, sexual violence, stalking or any other form of interpersonal violence and need advocacy services, the NC State Women’s Center has trained advocates available to offer crisis intervention, emotional support, resources and referrals. Students can contact the 24/7 Sexual Assault Helpline at 919-515-4444 or email ncsuadvocate@ncsu.edu to schedule an appointment with an advocate.