“People unite! To take back the night!” echoed throughout Winona State University’s campus on the night of Apr. 30, 2025. The Sexual Violence Advisory Committee held their annual Take Back the Night event in honor of sexual assault awareness month. A sense of community was built by crafts, music, and survivors sharing their stories. It was a time to come together to take back the night and to give power back. Take Back the Night is an event that provides a safe space for people to gather in support of survivors of sexual violence. This event is not exclusive to Winona State and has been happening nationally since the 1970s. Take Back the Night events often include walks and protests of activists, community members, and survivors all coming together to draw attention to sexual violence.
This year was particularly special because it was held on the same day as Denim Day. Denim Day came about in 1999, after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction due to the victim wearing tight jeans. They determined that because they were so tight, she had aided the person who raped her, implying her consent. Following the reversal, the women in Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity.
Since Take Back the Night was held on the same day, people were encouraged to wear jeans. There was also a craft where people could paint on jean patches. Messages ranging from “No means no,” to “Reclaim the night” were found on many patches.
Sarah Huderle, a third year English writing emphasis major, attended take back the night and enjoyed the response from the community.
“I feel that way too often victims of sexual assault are silenced, degraded or otherwise put down and it’s just disgusting to see. So it’s important to stand up,” Huderle said. “It’s important to let people know that they are welcomed, they are loved, they have a voice, and it’s really incredible to see all the love and support in these spaces.”
Before the night ended with a collective scream and chants, 7 students gave speeches. Some drew attention to missing and murdered indigenous women and others were survivors who shared their experience. By speaking about their stories, they hoped to make people feel less alone and encourage people to reach out.
Lee Cozatt, a first-year graphic design major, spoke about his experience.
“I wanted to make sure people didn’t feel alone. I had to work up the confidence to just tell one person [about my experience],” Cozatt said. “Being able to do it in front of everyone is not only liberating for me, but also an invitation for other people to reach out. Know that they’re allowed to talk about themselves without feeling pressured or re-violated.”
One major point of the night was highlighting that survivors often have to deal with other things like school or work on top of dealing with a traumatizing event. The OASIS center, which offers confidential advocacy services, is staffed by an employee of the Advocacy Center of Winona to act as an on-campus advocate. So when a student has experienced any kind of sexual violence or stalking, the OASIS center is there.
Destiny Walker is the on-campus confidential advocate in the OASIS center. She provides all services, including safety planning, financial assistance, assistance with obtaining restraining orders, among many other roles. The OASIS center provides easier access for students on campus, rather than going to the Advocacy Center of Winona.
“We support all survivors regardless of sexuality, gender identity, religious background, race or anything. We support everyone.” Walker said.
The Title IX office is another resource for survivors of sexual violence and offers protection from discrimination on the basis of sex. However, survivors have often stated that the office often pushes students to report the event and can be re-traumatizing.
Karina Kpahn, a fourth-year public health major and the president of the Reproductive Justice Student Organization, helped organize the event. She also feels that the Title IX office cannot be the only resource for students on campus.
“Having your story told for you, and being forced to report it, or pushed to make a police report, means having to be secondary to your own story and not being in control over the things that happen to you.” Kpahn said.
Having multiple resources for survivors gives them the choice to decide where they want to take their story, rather than having that choice taken away from them again. That’s what makes the OASIS center vital to campus.
In a meeting on Mar. 31, the Advocacy Center of Winona was informed that the funding previously allocated to the OASIS center had been cut, with no other alternative funding being identified. Other funding options have been considered, along with grants, but it is unlikely this funding will be acquired before the end of the current contract on Jun. 30, 2025. The university is exploring other funding options, but as of now it is unclear what the future holds for the OASIS center.
“The advocates are really good at helping students navigate everything. All you have to do is walk to Gildemeister and you have someone who is going to listen to you and not tell your story,” Kpahn said. “I think removing that is just a slap in the face to victims.”
If you or someone you know has experienced any form of sexual violence and are looking for support, the OASIS center is located at Gildemesiter Hall 110. You can also contact a confidential advocate at [email protected].
Despite the usual walk not taking place due to road construction, the night was not short of any spirit. People gathered to let out their frustrations, lean on shoulders, laugh, cry, craft and generate a space where everyone felt supported. Regardless of what happens at Winona State regarding on campus resources, Take Back the Night has established that survivors are supported and they should be in control of their own story.
