Take Back the Night is not just for women and not just for survivors of stranger rape. Eighty-five percent of reported rapes are committed by an acquaintance, 57 percent on a date. The night is intended to raise awareness of all types of abuse experienced by both sexes, as well to offer a safe place for survivors to share their stories.

I cannot state enough that men are welcome and encouraged to attend Take Back the Night, as both supporters and survivors. The first three stops on the march will include both women and men. After the Pollock stop, the women will head to Fraternity Row for the women-only stop and men are invited to attend a male-only discussion hosted by Men Stopping Rape. In this group, male supporters will discuss their feelings on sexual/domestic violence and male survivors will have the chance to share in a male-only setting.

We recognize the importance of offering both male and female survivors a chance to talk about their experiences in a same-sex environment if they choose. Women may feel uncomfortable sharing around men, and men may feel equally uncomfortable speaking around women. We encourage men to share their stories in either setting, most importantly for their own healing, but also to show the community that sexual assault is a problem that affects both women and men. We hope to see all survivors and supporters at Take Back the Night this Wednesday.