The UNA Women’s Center partnered with Residence Life to bring Take Back the Night, a national campaign, to the Memorial Amphitheater on Oct. 17. The program, held at 6 p.m., was a rally for education and awareness of interpersonal violence, said Jennifer Ballard, Assistant Director of Residence Life.

“There’s the belief that about a quarter of college students will be sexually assaulted during their college careers,” Ballard said. “The majority of sexual assaults occur between ages 16 and 24, which is UNA’s population. So, it’s really important for us to educate the college students because they’re most at risk, have the most vulnerable social networks and really need the most education on what is appropriate and what’s not.”

The program opened with musician Madeleine Frankford, a UNA senior. 

“Ms. Emily (Kelley) asked me to perform,” Frankford said. “I played two years ago for this event, and she asked me if I was interested again.”

Frankford was followed by the first wave of guest speakers, which included Sam Bellville of Rape Response, Jennifer Berry of Student Counseling Services and Jacob Ezell, President of the The Infinity Project — a Registered Student Organization against sexual violence.

The Blue Navigators, the second musical act of the night, were followed by guest speaker Jerri Brooks who represented Safeplace, a shelter for battered men and women.

The purpose of this program is to realize that it’s okay to move forward, Brooks said.

“If something has happened to you, I want you not only to know that there are organizations and counseling to help you, but I also want you to know that you can love yourself,” she said. “You can look in the mirror and tell yourself it’s okay and take your time to begin to recover, heal, and set yourself free from the night.”

The last two speakers were Rickey Haley from the Alabama Department of Public Health and Carl Gebhardt, a history professor. Gebhardt gave the concluding message and led the glow stick vigil honoring those hurt by violence.

A variety of students attended Take Back the Night for different reasons.

“My RA (Resident Advisor) was bringing a group down here, and I realized that I didn’t have a lot to do tonight, so I decided to support the cause,” said sophomore Chuck Chiriaco. “It’s important to inform students and the general public about domestic abuse. I hope programs like this really make a difference.”

“Not only are you taking back the night,” Brooks said. “But you’re taking back your life, your dreams, your goals, and your happiness.”