Rape and violence survivors and their supporters gathered at the Memorial Tower last night for a candlelight vigil to unite against domestic violence, rape, and assault.
Sarah Gore, co-chair of Women Organizing Women at LSU, said “talking is very therapeutic” for those who have experienced domestic violence or rape.
Gore said, “you should feel like you have the right to drive to the store without your boyfriend.”
The vigil, scheduled and led by WOW and the LSU Women’s Center, provided campus women with a safe haven in which to share their stories.
The vigil opened with an introduction by Kelly Kromer, an English graduate student and member of WOW, and by Wendi, an alumni member of WOW.
“Speak against the cycle of silence… to speak against it is to fight it,” Kromer said.
Next, those in attendance came forth and shared their stories and feelings. Students shared everything from stories of attempted rape to sexual harassment.
Anuradha Vij, an accounting junior, said “we all need to be responsible… don’t give up hope.”
She said those who have been raped are “survivors, not victims” and that they should not be afraid to speak up.
LSU has resources for those who need support, guidance or advice with any experiences they have had with violence or assault.
Kim Munro, wellness education counselor, said she draws on her past experience to help students at LSU.
“No victim or survivor of violence is without resources,” she said.
Munro said she has worked with others, bringing departments together to facilitate responses to survivors of violence. “Things happen more effectively and expediently when we join our voices together,” she said.
The Wellness Dept. sponsors Rape Aggression Defense Systems classes at least twice a semester.
“It’s a 12-hour commitment, but it’s well worth it,” said Munro. “What you get out of it is priceless.”
Amber Vlasnik, manager of the LSU Women’s Center, said “the whole idea is to bring awareness of violence in women’s lives.”
“It’s especially important that we as a college community create a space where all individuals can be safe,” Vlasnik said.
This ceremony is part of the Young Women’s Christian Association’s Week Without Violence. The dates for this campaign are Oct. 20 to Oct. 26.
The YWCA Web site said the Week “emphasizes alternatives to family violence, gun violence, violence linked to racism, sexism and bigotry, and violence in the media.”
There are several events throughout the week in celebration of the Week Without Violence.
On Wednesday there will be a Take Back the Night March at Baton Rouge High School. There will be activities for all ages, and a candlelight march will serve as a memorial for survivors of violence. The Women’s Center will host a potluck discussion Friday titled ‘Stop the Violence: Everyday Acts of Rebellion.”