Group marches to sites where sexual assults have occurred
By ALYSSA SCHMITT
News Writer
The streets of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's echoed with the sounds of drumming and chanting as 50 members of South Bend and campus communities marched in "Take Back The Night."
The students, faculty and community members walked together holding candles in support of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
"Today we ask the grace to shout."
With these words, the march began in front of Le Mans Hall. The group chose its path wisely, stopping at specific locations where acts of violence have occurred. At each sight marchers prayed and lit candles. Often tears overflowed.
"It was an amazingly powerful and uniting experience," said Jami Newcomb, a junior at Saint Mary's. Unity was the theme as the group marched down Saint Mary's Road, better known as "Rape Road." The chants grew louder and the energy was at its peak as they marched to the Grotto.
"The enthusiasm of the group was amazing," said Catherine Pittman, a professor at Saint Mary's. "This is a very personal experience; you never know how people are going to react personally."
The group assembled for its last prayer at the steps of the Dome before marching back to Saint Mary's. The evening concluded with a poetry reading and drum session focussing on unity and empowerment.
"It was a protest against rape and violence," said Renee Donovan, a Saint Mary's freshman. "A joining of women as well as men to be the voice of women as a whole."
"Take Back the Night" is a nationwide statement in support of survivors of violence. The program has made its voice heard for over 25 years.
Catherine Pittman has been involved in the program at Saint Mary's and Notre Dame for four years.
"There is a commitment to making this an annual event," she said.
The program is sponsored by The Feminist Collective, Sex Offences Services (S.O.S) and the Saint Mary's and Notre Dame Campus Alliance for Rape Elimination (C.A.R.E.).
Julie Frischcorn, a Saint Mary's junior, organized this year's march. She began this project over a month ago and attributes its success to the amount of publicity it has received.
"I am really impressed with the turnout," she said. "It has been so much fun."
Judi Larson, a member of S.O.S was also an active member in the organization of this year's march, was pleased with the event's success and expressed optimism about women's programs at both Saint Mary's and Notre Dame.
"It gave me a lot of hope for future support of women's issues on both of these campuses" said Jami Newcomb.
The goals for years to come include a greater feeling of safety on both campuses, the elimination of the nickname "Rape Road" and improved programs for women.
The timing for this year's "Take Back The Night" coincides with the recent increase in rape awareness on both the Notre Dame and Saint Mary's campuses.
All News Stories for Thursday, April 13, 2000
