By Lucas Bruno

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On April 3, Salisbury University hosted Take Back the Night, an event that promoted awareness against sexual assault, amplifying a message of consent and healthy relationship practices. 

The event, hosted in the Wicomico Room at 6:00 P.M., provided information tables on topics ranging from forensic nursing to safe sex to support for individuals who have suffered sexual violence. Student organizations including One Life and Flare were in attendance. 

A march began at 6:40 P.M. that proceeded in a circle along the outskirts of the Commons parking lot. Marchers were handed slips of paper with several phrases  to chant as well as several decorative signs calling for an end to sexual assault. 

Following the march, several speeches were made and a few students performed music. 

Ally Donavan, a sophomore majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies, is a singer and guitarist who performed on April 3. One song she was excited to perform was Clean, by Taylor Swift, “which means a lot to me, especially as it relates to sexual assault,” she said. “In my music therapy classes we talk about the healing power of music, so I think that’s one of the reasons as to why it’s important to perform at an [event like this].” 

Donavan explains how Swift’s song makes references to the artist’s experience with sexual assault, and her symbolic lawsuit for $1.00, “not because she wanted money but because she wanted people to be able to stand up,” she said.

Having the strength to stand up was an important theme at the event, where different tables were decorated with posters advocating for the understanding of consent and resources for people to understand unhealthy relationships and seek help about abuse.

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Featured image: Lucas Bruno / The Bury Post.

SU students and faculty march in the “Take Back the Night” demonstration, which circled around the outskirts of the Commons parking lot.