They march to show unity. They march to be visible. They march to Take Back the Night.

The 18th annual march to rally against all types of abuse, violence and sexual assault will take place at 7 tonight.

It starts at Old Main and will follow a route around campus, continuing on Fraternity Row and concluding at Central Parklet on South Fraser Street.

A rally including music and speakers will preclude the march at 5:30 p.m. at Old Main.

Several hundred people are expected to participate, and organizers are stressing the importance of male and female survivors of violence coming out and supporting each other, said Jen Mudge, a counselor at the Centre County Women's Resource Center.

"We're creating a community of strength and awareness," Mudge said.

"[A march is] something that people notice. It's an act of solidarity that makes a statement. It makes people wonder what you're doing and ask questions," she said.

The march includes stops at Pattee Library, East and Pollock Halls, Fraternity Row, and Atherton Hall. At each stop, participants are invited to share their personal experiences with violence and abuse.

"The stops are important because people get to share their stories in a circle where they feel safe," said Jennifer Elliott, co-director of Womyn's Concerns. "It's a big part of the healing process."

Elliott says this is a community issue more so than in past years especially because of the rapes that have occurred recently.

"People are seeing a greater need to show we won't tolerate violence
in the community," Elliott said.

A post-party will take place at Webster's Bookstore Café, 128 S. Allen St. Participants can share their reactions to the event in an open microphone atmosphere. Counselors will be available for anyone who needs assistance.

Take Back the Night is a nationwide activity in which communities stage their own events throughout the day.

"Take Back the Night has been a regular occurrence [for many years]. We are very happy that students are taking an active role in their safety," said Amy Neil, Penn State spokeswoman. "It's always been a very positive role on campus."

Take Back the Night is sponsored by Womyn's Concerns, Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, the Center for Women Students, Men Stopping Rape, the Centre County Women's Resource Center and several student groups.