With dances, chants and poetry, students and professors gathered last night in support of survivors of violence at "Take Back the Woods."

Sponsored by the Saint Mary's Feminist Collective and Campus Alliance for Rape Elimination (CARE), the march was held to empower all members of the community to feel secure in their right to have safe access to all areas of the community.

A march through the Saint Mary's Woods was followed by a bonfire, poetry readings, chants, drums and ritual dances.

"You should never have to feel afraid of going into the woods," said senior Sara Salazar, president of C.A.R.E.

Reasons for holding this march are to "help empower women and men who have had some kind of assault as well as concerns about being out and no being protected," said psychology professor Catherine Pittman. "We are trying to give people a chance to feel safe."

The march was dedicated to victims of sexual assault and violence.

"To all people who have felt violated, that they are able to forgive and go on with their lives and be happy," said senior Kate Ryan.

"To past and future residents, to bring their land back to them," added Amy Collins.

"To feeling empowered and to Saint Mary's pride week that makes me proud to be here every day and every week," said junior Emily Koelsch.

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