Speakers, candlelight vigil honor sexual assault, rape survivors

Jordan Leigh Haiduk / The Bulletin

Keynote speaker and Newman Regional nurse Pam Kvas introduces the Take Back the Night event. Kvas is on call 24-hours a day at Newman to help with sexual assault cases.

Take Back the Night, an event for survivors and supporters of survivors of sexual assault and rape, was held Wednesday evening in the Memorial Union.

“To those of you that are struggling, if you’ve been that victim and you continue to revert to behaviors that are negative, that put you back in that very vulnerable victim’s spot, my prayer will always be there for you- that you will reach out to somebody to encourage you, to help give you positive feedback,” said Pam Kvas, from Newman Regional Health, in her keynote address.

One survivor, Betty Senn, shared her experiences with audience members and encouraged them to take their lives into their own hands.

“You see, I’m no different than anyone here this evening who has endured any abuse,” Senn said. “I came before you this evening to show you and tell you that, in spite of the horrible acts against you, you can choose to succeed on any level.”

Several students attended the event and found it a powerful experience.

“I thought it was a really powerful and moving experience and I think more women should attend,” said Kate Flavin, junior French and political science major. “The stories were moving and emotional.”

Senn also discussed the stigma in society about those who have endured sexual violence.

“Survivors need to challenge themselves to change the stigma,” Senn said. “We need to use our experiences to gain strength, build our character, be leaders, and be successful.”

During her speech, Senn discussed her struggles.

“I challenge myself every day of my life,” Senn said. “My challenge started by aligning myself with the uncomfortable, to step out of my old normal, and acquaint myself with new opportunities. I chose not to let my past control me, I control my past so that I can be part of the present and look forward to my future.”

A candlelight vigil was held to honor those who have experienced sexual assault and violence. There was also an opportunity for survivors to stand at the podium and speak about their experiences and their survival. Rachel Reeves, senior political science major, and Lori Moore, head of community relations at SOS, read poems to audience members.

There were several other speakers at the event, including Gary Smith, Emporia Police Chief, and Susan Moran, SOS executive director.

The event was originally going to be held in the Union Square, but was changed to the Kanza Room because of inclement weather. The event was sponsored by SOS, and the ESU Women’s Center.