Powerful words to describe a powerful movement.
“Take Back the Night” is a movement dedicated to ending all forms of sexual violence and supporting survivors. The slogan, “Take Back the Night”, originated in response to the fear of violence that women experience when walking alone at night. Events, protests, and marches occur at universities across the country. The first protest took place in the 1970s at the University of Southern Florida. There, women dressed like witches and demanded a change: a change in improved safety and resources for women walking alone at night.
This change is essential as the statistics of violence are staggering. “1 in 3 women worldwide experience some form of sexual violence or intimate partner violence.” The movement has expanded to include people of all identities, adding international events and even more resources. After sixty years, much work has been done, yet there is still more to continue.
On March 20, 2025, Rollins College held its first “Take Back the Night” event since 2013, led by campus organization, Voices. Voices is an intersectional feminist organization that works to support, empower, and educate all people.
The event started on Mills Lawn with an opening statement led by Gabriela Tirado (‘25) and Sydney Boswell (‘25), executive board members in Voices. Next, the keynote speakers gave powerful messages with words of bravery and hope for a future where sexual violence is no more. Olivia Oropeza from the Victims Service Center of Central Florida said to “challenge the silence” so that we can all “exist freely and safely.” Olivia Littleton from the One More Child nonprofit group said that “one more victim is one too many.”
The walk began down Holt Avenue, took a left on French Avenue, and ended with a march into the French House on campus, where the group gathered for the Speak-Out. There, courageous survivors shared their stories, both anonymously and not, and found support in the Rollins Community. Dr. Briscoe, the Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life, led the candlelight vigil and a moment of silence for the experience that the group shared. It encouraged the survivors in their healing journey and shared a message of hope for the future. Finally, a closing statement by the organizers was shared.
This event opened the conversation on campus about sexual violence and supporting survivors. It is a large part of education, challenging the harmful narratives and refusal to be silent in the face of violence.
Support survivors and demand justice.
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