Students gathered around the LSU Library entrance Wednesday to listen to sexual assault survivors, socialize with advocacy organizations and march to take back the night.
Feminists In Action held its annual event to raise awareness of sexual assault and empower survivors. Students approached tables scattered with sexual protection and informational pamphlets as a live band performed. After tabling, survivors shared their stories at the organization’s third Take Back the Night.
Voices echoed throughout LSU’s quad after the event as students marched advocating for sexual assault awareness, shouting “What do we want? Safe streets. When do we want them? Now,” while holding signs with phrases like “fight back,” and “shatter the silence.”
Myrissa Eisworth, a sociology doctoral student, is FIA’s director of advocacy and activism. Eisworth is also the director of Student Government’s We’re Committed, a department that focuses on sexual violence prevention and awareness.
“It’s such a hot spot,” Eisworth said of LSU’s campus. “I feel it is really really important to make sure students have the resources and support available on campus. That they know where it is and who to reach out to, and they know there are people here who believe and support them no matter what.”
Eisworth shared her story at the event alongside nine other survivors. They gave raw testimonies about their experience with sexual assault and how they are processing and coping to inspire others to speak up and feel heard. FIA members also read anonymous testimonies survivors submitted to the organization. One survivor performed a song they wrote about sexual assault awareness.
Joseph Liberto, the student body president and an international trade and finance junior, handed out drink covers and contraceptives at SG’s event table. Liberto attended the event last year and said he noticed a growth in the crowd and student participation.
Patti Joy Freeman, the executive director of Iris Domestic Violence Center, tabled representing the center. She was advocating for awareness on campus and providing information about the center to those in attendance.
Iris’ location is not published to protect survivors staying there, but it offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, serves eight parishes and can house around 175 men, women and children.
The center also has a legal department that provides representation to domestic violence victims. The pamphlet Freeman was handing out gave attendees more insight to the organization and ways it helps the community and victims.
Cate Suthon, a psychology senior, is FIA’s director of political awareness. Her goal is to spread awareness and give a sense of community to survivors and advocates at LSU.
“I’m very passionate about the topic around feminism, sex education and sexual assault awareness. I think it’s kind of a scary time, so it’s a good time to get involved,” Suthon said.
Many organizations attended the event, including the Student Health Center’s Lighthouse Program, LSUPD, the Women’s Center, SG’s We’re Committed, Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault and Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response. All proceeds of the event will be directly donated to STAR.
One of the many students in attendance was marketing sophomore Joshua Jones, a student senator. He expressed his gratitude for all organizations who attended to advocate for the student body.
“I believe in survivors, and as a transfer student I believe spreading awareness is very important,” Jones said. “I’m going to do my part, but now I call on the student body to do their part as well.”
