As the sun dipped low between the trees, approximately 100 volunteers, Service Members and their families gathered for the 3rd annual "Take Back the Night" community walk on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 21.
The 2-mile walk, organized by the JBLM Armed Forces Community Service, helped to raise awareness, educate Service Members and their families, and demonstrate the community's commitment toward ending sexual assault.
"The walk gives people the opportunity to take a stand against sexual violence," said Michael Thomas, a JBLM sexual assault response coordinator. "It takes all of us to stop sexual violence. It's a joint base team, and we need to stand up for what's right and follow the Army values. With that, we can eliminate sexual assault on JBLM."
"Take Back the Night" began in 1973 as a way to protest the danger faced by women walking alone at night, but has now been expanded to include all those affected by sexual violence and domestic abuse.
"In the Army, these are real situations," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Wilkins, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Madigan Army Medical Center dental clinic. "I have family members who are victims of sexual abuse, and it's important that we're here to show others that they are not alone."
Volunteers from local community service centers educated participants about the services they provided to survivors of sexual assault and their families.
"The event generates good awareness for the kids who see people coming together to support a cause," said Alecia Grady, event coordinator and director of the JBLM Armed Forces Community Service. "It shows a good sense of community and brings together a variety of people from all different organizations."
"Take Back the Night" was the capstone event of a month dedicated to raising awareness, and showing support for survivors of sexual violence.
"For anybody who's been violated, part of that experience is to be marginalized, and to heal," said event participant Dr. Amy Morris, a psychologist at the Federal Way Vet Center. "They need to be able to feel empowered. The idea is to try and find that again inside -- to rediscover your power, and that's what an event like this does."
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