Hundreds of women and men joined together last night to support one another through stories of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence.

Take Back the Night -- an international event that helps victims and survivors of sexual assault through
the healing process -- began on the steps of Old Main and continued late last night with a march through campus.

Participants marched from Pattee Library to East Halls chanting, "Out of the dorms and into the streets. We won't be raped, we won't be beat." Marchers stopped at other points such as Atherton Hall, Fraternity Row and ended the night at Central Parklet.

At each stop, the group stood in a circle with candles, listened to stories and shared tears, smiles, and hugs. Some told stories of sexual assault. Some stories were of domestic abuse, emotional, physical and psychological abuse. Many were stories of rape.

As survivors stood at the microphone, their voices quivered from the brisk winter weather but their resolve remained strong.

Upon reaching Atherton Hall, marchers split into two groups. About 15 men attended a discussion session while about 40 remaining women marched through Fraternity Row, their powerful chanting competing with the drone of passing traffic amid the chilly night.

"No means no on fraternity row!" they chanted.

Although participants met verbal opposition during past years from some fraternity members, this year saw no resistance.

At the last stop on Fairmount Avenue, the candles went out but the spirit still continued. The group of women huddled closer to brave the bitter wind -- and to show their continued support for each other.

"Just by being here, that shows you are a strong person," said Jahnna Harvey, one of the organizers of the event. "That's the first step in the healing process."

At the opening rally, Lauren Pilnick (senior-women studies and crime, law and justice) spoke about focusing on the survival and not the victimization that occurs in sexual assault.

"I never, ever believed people when they said things would get easier," Pilnick said. "If you look around tonight, you'll see you are not alone."

As the crowd cheered, Pilnick said she was happy to be a part of the rally this year because she is graduating in May and hopes to find other public events as supportive as Take Back the Night.

"It's our job to continue after tonight," Pilnick said. "Give your survival the time it needs, it doesn't happen easily."

Bill Asbury, vice-president of student affairs, opened the event with a speech supporting the cause.

"I often hear students say they wonder if we ever hear what you have to say," Asbury said. "I can tell you that we hear you and that we learn from you."

He said the university has initiated funding and services to help victims and continues to make the campus a safer place.

"I want you to know how much I support you and everything that you are doing," Asbury said.

Crowd members took the support with them as they marched through the streets of State College chanting, "Hey, hey, ho, ho, this rape thing has got to go," and "People unite, take back the night."

One member of the crowd described the night as a great way to shed light on rape and other sexual assault issues.

"[Take Back the Night] is about raising awareness about sexual violence and making people aware how real this is to everyone," Eva Rahman (senior-psychology) said. "It is in everyone's lives whether you are a victim or not -- it effects everyone."