Community speaks out at Take Back the Night event

NORWICH – Friday night, Chenango County held its first “Take Back the Night” event, and with students, community members and survivors coming out to take part in the rally and march, the event had the desired effect: raising awareness of crimes against women.

Morrisville State’s Norwich Campus and Catholic Charities came together to co-host the event, in hopes of ending sexual violence and abuse. Catholic Charities Crime Victims Educator and Advocate Beth Neuland welcomed everyone and explained that “Take Back the Night” events are intended to raise awareness about sexual and violent assault and to give survivors an “opportunity to give voice to their experience and publicly affirm their transition from victim to survivor.” Neuland said every two and a half minutes, there is a sexual assault in America.

Ted Nichols, dean of the Norwich Campus, said he hoped the event would provide an opportunity for women to make connections and to speak out about what is important to them. Nichols explained that the Norwich Campus student body is 60 to 70 percent female. “That’s part of what makes this a caring compassionate community,” Nichols said. “I hope we can continue this event next year.”

Several speakers took to the podium during the rally, including Nichols, Student Body President Julie Schapiro, Neuland, New York State Police Investigator Michelle Marshall and Norwich Police Officer Jeremy Burdick.

“The number one problem is the lack of awareness,” Marshall explained. “That is why rape is still the most under reported crime.” Marshall explained that one third of all women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at one point in their lives, and 30 percent of Americans say they know a woman who has been abused in the past year. Marshall said in order to end the cycle of abuse, we need to educate, listen and show support.