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Friday, Nov. 15
The Indiana Daily Student

Rally to put a face on rape

Students, community gather for 'Take Back the Night' at Dunn Meadow to raise awareness, support victims

Today victims of sexual violence from all across the Bloomington area will gather to reclaim what was once theirs. Supported by the community, these victims and their supporters will march and rally together to "Take Back the Night."\nCeremonies will begin at 7 p.m. today with a rally at Dunn Meadow, and will continue through the campus and Bloomington, ending at the Monroe County Courthouse. Speakers will include Middle Way Director Toby Strout, President of the Bloomington National Organization of Women Cathi Crabtree, Coordinator of Bloomington's Safe and Civil City Marsha Bradford, as well as Indiana's State Attorney General Karen Freeman.\n"We are going to be raising awareness on the IU campus and in the community at large," said Committee Chair for Take Back the Night, Julie Thomas.\nJimmanee Spears, nicknamed "chant goddess," will be leading the march tomorrow. Spears has been handing out fliers for several days and expects a large turnout at the rally. Spears also noted that several Indianapolis television stations will be in Bloomington to cover the event.\n"This is an issue that truly affects everyone," said Spears.\n"Take Back the Night" has particular significance for Spears, who has been a victim of sexual abuse. She feels the night will aid her in the healing process, and help her move on with her life.\nStrout has spoken at the Take Back the Night ceremony for the past 11 years. \n"I think raising awareness is an important thing to do," said Strout.\nStrout said she has been thinking about highlighting the statistics in her speech.\n"National statistics indicate a decline (in rape victims), at Middle Way however, we have not seen a decline," she said.\nSpears hopes to reach "anyone who will listen: victims, perpetrators, the general assembly, the bureaucracy … we are not going to take it anymore."\n"We have had a bad year in Bloomington," said Strout, "We need to acknowledge the losses we suffered"

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