Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Brooks, Courtney" <>]

Hello everyone. I have hosted TBTN events at two campuses where I have serviced/currently served in the capacity of violence prevention coordinator/advocate.   Both events featured a “speak out.”   Before each speak out, I share a little of the history of people using their voices in other movements (Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, etc…) and relate that to the significance of survivors speaking out against violence as a way to reclaim their experiences as their own (instead of having their “histories” written for them by reports, files, and others), and also the role speaking out plays in the healing process. The speak out follows a series of other events that evening (music, a march, statistics, etc…), and I emphasize that these steps are taken to claim a safe and shared space for everyone. This usually helps set the tone for the speak out and gives those who would be interested in speaking comfort and trust with those who are present. I always make a point to say that what is shared is sacred, and not to be part of conversation after the speak out. I emphasize that people’s stories are their own, and they should be given the choice to tell them on their own.

 

We always have counselors from the local rape crisis shelter present, and that individual and I will stand to the side of the stage area. We let attendees know that if they need to speak to someone immediately, that we are there to help them and we have been fortunate enough to host our event in locations where there is a small private space available if someone is triggered. We also have volunteers who keep an eye on the audience as well as those who may pass by and make inappropriate comments (luckily, this has never happened).  Speakers are not always survivors, they may be supporters of a friend, and we have seen an increase in men attending to use their voice to say they are allies in this work as well.  Speakers who do share their experiences of violence have never used names or details, but instead focused on their experience of self-blame, shame, and guilt they placed on themselves, and how letting that go was liberating and helped them begin to heal. I have had one individual who had a gag order on her case (from many years ago), and she requested that I announce before she speak that I tell the audience that the individual does not wish for any photographs to be taken. We let the speak out go as long as there are people who wish to stand up and step in front of the microphone to use their voice. It is usually a very quiet and solemn part of the program, which is understandable. Following the speak out, we have a candlelight vigil in memory of those who have lost their lives to violence and in honor of those who are survivors.  After the event is over, people usually linger to speak to each other, or come speak to either a counselor or me to set up an appointment or get more information on support services. 

 

The feedback we have received is always positive, from those who participate in the speak out and those who attend in support of it. Men who attend are usually very vocal in saying how important this event was to them, because they felt like they could use their voice to create change and also be an ally. We try to include as many student groups as possible and invite them to speak about their support of this program at the beginning.

 

I hope this is helpful, if you need any other information, please let me know, I’m happy to help. Best of luck in your event.

 

 

Courtney E. Brooks

Program Coordinator, EKU-SAFE

Women and Gender Studies

Eastern Kentucky University
Keith 126

521 Lancaster Ave

Richmond, KY 40475

office: 859.622.7297

fax: 859.622.7308

http://www.safe.eku.edu/

 

 

From: Felty, Wade P. [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 11:01 AM
To:
Subject: Take Back the Night

 

Colleagues,

 

We wanted to see what others schools are doing with regards to the following:

 

-do you have testimonials at Take Back the Night (if you have the event)?

-How do you moderate them (if you do)?

-Have these ever created problems if you’ve had them?

-What kind of feedback have you received about them?

 

Wade

 

 

 

 

Wade Felty

Wade Felty

Office of Residence Life & Housing and Judicial Affairs

Macon Peer Response Chief Advisor

Randolph-Macon College

(804)-752-3234 (Office)

(717)-813-3513 (Mobile)

R-MC Office of Judicial Affairs