UMKC Greek life partnered with the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) on April 9 to host Take Back the Night, an event focused on ending sexual violence and supporting survivors.
The event brought together students across three fraternities and three sororities for a series of impactful activities. The programming included sign-making, words from a MOCSA representative, a survivor speak-out, a student march across campus and a candlelight vigil.
“It’s really empowering to see how many people support and speak out for our sexual assault survivors,” said senior computer science major Morgan Sansone. “It’s really nice to see within the Greek Life community especially during this month [Sexual Assault Awareness Month].”
MOCSA is an organization that aims to support individuals affected by sexual assault while working to prevent sexual violence in our Kansas City community. A representative of the organization highlighted the important work they do and key resources they offer.
“We support survivors and their loved ones to reduce the impact of sexual abuse and assault,” says MOCSA Director of Communications Debbie Frederiksen. “What we are striving for is to put an end to it; we like to say that we would like to work ourselves out of a job.”
The event also spotlighted a survivor who shared her story and how she sought help from MOCSA. Now she shares her story in hopes that it will leave a lasting impact on others whether to be a voice for the silenced or to motivate others to join the cause.
Take Back The Night is a global movement that began in 1976 to stand against sexual violence in all its forms. The movement’s journey through the years has consisted of marches, rallies, protests, speak-outs and initiatives toward ending sexual violence in all forms.
“End the fight, take back the night,” shouted students as they marched through campus.
Sansone also shared that one in three women worldwide have experienced sexual violence or intimate partner violence, one in six men experience sexual violence, two in three transgender people have been sexually assaulted, but less than 50% of victims report these crimes.
“We want to give out resources to those who may feel a little too nervous to speak about their experiences,” says first-year medical student Sofia Brink. “We included tabling to provide resources for those in need.”
At the vigil students came together to light candles in remembrance of victims, and to show their collective commitment to ending sexual violence. Attendees were also invited to share their thoughts or stories in a safe environment of support.
For more information on MOCSA and its resources click here.
