Hundreds of women and men, both within and outside of the Penn State community, gathered at Old Main last night to rally against sexual assault, provide support for one another and literally "Take Back the Night."

The event, in its 19th year at Penn State, provides a safe environment for survivors and supporters to speak to fellow attendees about their own or even a loved one's experience with sexual assault. Stories are shared at the various stops both on and off campus.

The hour-long rally featured various speakers, poetry, music and inspirational words from survivors. Jill Wood, graduate student and teaching assistant in women's studies, began her speech by reading off a list of the many sexual assaults reported this semester.

"What we think we know about rape on campus is only the tip of the iceberg," she said. "One in four college students will experience rape. Picture your four closest female friends. Which one has or will be raped?"

Wood then told the crowd about a student who had asked why women were so angry.

"Anger is a healthy, motivating, powerful emotion that allows victims to be survivors," she said. "If you're not angry, you're not paying attention!"

Luke Adams, Undergraduate Student Government vice president, was pleased to see a lot of men in the crowd.

"I see a lot more male faces than I thought I would," he said, "and that's a good thing."

Women should not be afraid to say no, despite that some men do not know the definition of the word, Adams said.

"We have guys here who can do 15 derivatives of calculus but still don't understand what 'no' means," he said. "Don't be afraid to say it multiple times."

Jessica Weiner, an author who has already spoken at campus events this week, said that as a Penn State alumna, she is disgusted to hear about all of the rapes and assaults that occur on campus.

"We have a lot to talk about, and tonight is just the beginning," she said. "Rape, sexual assault and violence affects everybody."

Weiner also said the event is about power -- not sex.

"We are taking back what we already own, which is our power," she said.

Attendees made stops at Pattee Library, East Halls and Pollock Halls, chanting, "Wherever we go, however we dress, no means no, yes means yes!" and "Hey, hey, ho, ho, acquaintance rape has got to go!"

After the Pollock stop, men and women split up. The men met in a room in Boucke Building, and the women, who braved the rain, continued to Fraternity Row.

Counselors from Centre County Women's Resource Center, 140 W. Nittany Ave., were there in case people needed to talk to someone.

Kristina Aldridge, one of the counselors, said the resource center offers help for victims of sexual assault.

"A counselor advocate, a forensic nurse and a detective are on the staff to help you," she said. "And you only have to tell your story once."

Many who attended the event were disturbed by how other students reacted to the procession. In East Halls, a few residents of Pennypacker Hall shouted phrases such as "We will join nothing! Make me a sandwich!" and "Join us in bed!" However, many attendees responded by saying, "Shame!" and "Come down here and say that!"

Brian Jara, lecturer in women's studies, said the men's reactions were primarily out of fear and ignorance.

"It's fear that they may realize their privilege, and they don't have to deal with it on a daily basis," he said. "They're afraid of something ... Clearly, they are not people who are listening."

The negative reactions were also out of a need for attention, Jara said.

"It's childish," he said. "It's 'Look at me! Look at me! I need your attention!' It's unfortunate. Having people to lean on is one step in the healing. They're not part of the solution, that's for sure."