Survivors, advocates take unified stand at 'Take Back' event

A survivor speak-out, candlelight vigil and resource sharing highlighted a “Take Back the Night” event held Friday in the Thompson Professional Development Center.

Coinciding with Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, the gathering was co-sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement, the Human Services and Restorative Justice Club, and the Williamsport branch of YWCA Northcentral PA.



Keynote speaker Gigi Kilroe, author of “From Within: My Path of Hope and Healing From Sexual Abuse,” shared her story of abuse and empowerment, followed by other survivors’ statements. Rebecca Hosier, medical advocate with YWCA’s Wise Options program, also addressed the gathering and shared statistics and insights.

Dating back to the 1970s, “Take Back the Night” is the earliest worldwide movement to stand against sexual violence, according to the Take Back the Night Foundation.

With chapters and events active in over 30 countries, the organization serves to create safe communities and respectful relationships through awareness events and initiatives, while seeking to end sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and sexual abuse.