Wednesday night, hundreds gathered to honor the memory of Katy Benoit and take a stand for all victims of violence and sexual assault. Take Back the Night united students, faculty and local supporters alike in a silent march across the University of Idaho campus.
There was a heavy silence in the air throughout; banners, signs and the procession of candle-carrying marchers reflected the seriousness of interpersonal violence and the loss that it inflicts upon victims, and their friends and family forever.
Hosted by UI’s women’s center and other partners across the university, keynote speaker Steve Bonner spoke before the march, sharing his experience with sexual assault and how it negatively impacted him for many years.
“We need to say this is enough,” Bonner said, after sharing his tale of trauma and prolonged silence. It took him years to tell someone his story of abuse. Now, he helps others who suffer. Bonner said that part of stopping violence and abuse means being vocal.
“It also means addressing those around us if they are making us uncomfortable,” Bonner said. “When a person is assertive and comfortable with themselves, they are less likely to be a target.”
Among the students that came to show support was Gabby Stenzel of Alpha Gamma Delta. “I came in honor of Katy Benoit, a fellow sister who was tragically murdered,” Stenzel said. “I heard that she was a determined woman and a kind sister.”
Keaton West can be reached at [email protected]
Audrey
Well, UI is famous now, thanks to the email from General Counsel Jim Craig on Friday. WaPo, The Hill, Forbes, and certainly all over Twitter