Fresno State to reclaim the night

By Amy Roberts

Combating and learning about domestic violence, sexual assault and violence against women take the spotlight at tonight’s Take Back the Night event in Fresno State’s Peace Garden.

The schedule includes music and speakers and starts at 6 p.m. A march around campus will take place at 7:15 p.m., and an open-microphone session for anyone who wishes to speak begins at 8 p.m. on the south patio of the University Student Union.

Stacey Dwyer, 22, is a senior majoring in women’s studies and president of the Women’s Alliance, the event’s organizing body.

“ The purpose of Take Back the Night is to unify women, men and children in an awareness of violence against women, children and families,” she said.

“ The event is not about fear. It is about awareness, understanding, compassion and love.”

Francine Oputa, coordinator of the Fresno State Women’s Resource Center, said this has been an annual campus event for more than 15 years. She plans to share a poem about the fact that every 11 minutes a woman is battered, raped or murdered in the United States. “That’s obscene,” she said.

Oputa said she hopes people leave the event with two thoughts.

The event, she said, should “bring home to the campus community, especially students, that violence against women is still a major problem in our society and also to provide an opportunity for survivors of abuse to speak, to hear others speak and to know that they’re not alone and that there’s help on campus for them.”

Other speakers include Julie Vega from Fresno Rape Counseling Services and Irene Zupko from the Marjaree Mason Center. Members of about 15 campus and community organizations will also be available to answer questions and provide information on topics connected to the event.

The walk around campus is designed to represent the physical aspect of taking back the night from violence. Participants are encouraged to speak up during the last part of the evening to share their experiences and thoughts about Take Back the Night.

Parking will be relaxed in lots D and E between 4:30 and 10 p.m.