Front Range Community College in Longmont has opened its doors to anyone seeking resources, validation and comfort in the wake of sexual violence at “Take Back the Night.”
On Thursday, FRCC’s Boulder County campus hosted its annual event aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Take Back the Night events are observed around the world to decry sexual violence and show people that it hasn’t gone away.
“This is our big event of the year,” said Priscilla Larson, president of the college’s Feminist Uprising Collective club. “It’s really important, especially with the political climate we’re in, to just get resources out to people, and let people be heard and seen.”
Lisa Taylor Strauss with Blue Sky Bridge talks to a guest at her booth on Thursday. Front Range Community College in Longmont raised awareness of sexual violence at “Take Back the Night.” (Dana Cadey / Staff writer)
More than 15 local organizations had booths at the event, which was held in the college’s outdoor courtyard. Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence — a nonprofit serving people impacted by domestic violence in Boulder and Broomfield counties — was a new presence at Take Back the Night this year.
“It just makes sense to be here,” said Alex Mitter, housing coordinator for SPAN.
Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County returned as both a vendor and an event sponsor.
“It’s very core to our mission to provide advocacy and support to help fight violence against women,” Zonta club president Pam Malzbender said. “Having a sense of community keeps us all strong and positive, because it makes us know we’re not alone.”
A lineup of speakers gave remarks on how community members can stand against sexual assault and domestic violence. Longmont City Councilmembers Sean McCoy and Susie Hidalgo-Fahring spoke to over 50 guests about the city’s efforts to oppose sexual violence.
Front Range Community College alum Violet Stoudt speaks to guests on Thursday. Front Range Community College in Longmont raised awareness of sexual violence at “Take Back the Night.” (Dana Cadey / Staff writer)
“We want to uplift your voices and make sure that stigma doesn’t bring us down,” Hidalgo-Fahring told guests on Thursday. “Together, we will rise.”
Keynote speaker Isabella Grace Cohn recently created a documentary film about survivors of sexual violence. Cohn said it’s important to have healthy discussions about consent, boundaries and power dynamics.
“It is crucial that we normalize these conversations, and start them,” Cohn said.
This year, 10 individuals shared personal stories of harassment, abuse and assault during the open mic portion. The evening ended with a candlelight vigil, where participants shared one word to describe how the event made them feel. Several called the event hopeful.
FRCC alum Violet Stoudt said events like Take Back the Night show survivors of sexual assault that they are not alone.
“We want to connect with each other, to tell each other stories,” Stoudt said. “Being vulnerable is how you build community.”