‘We're not alone': Longmont community uplifts sexual assault survivors at ‘Take Back the Night'
Front Range Community College in Longmont has opened its doors to anyone seeking resources, validation and comfort in the wake of sexual violence at 'Take Back the Night.'
On Thursday, FRCC's Boulder County campus hosted its annual event aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Take Back the Night events are observed around the world to decry sexual violence and show people that it hasn't gone away.
'This is our big event of the year,' said Priscilla Larson, president of the college's Feminist Uprising Collective club. 'It's really important, especially with the political climate we're in, to just get resources out to people, and let people be heard and seen.'
Lisa Taylor Strauss with Blue Sky Bridge talks to a guest at her booth on Thursday. Front Range Community College in Longmont raised awareness of sexual violence at 'Take Back the Night.' (Dana Cadey / Staff writer)
More than 15 local organizations had booths at the event, which was held in the college's outdoor courtyard. Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence — a nonprofit serving people impacted by domestic violence in Boulder and Broomfield counties — was a new presence at Take Back the Night this year.
'It just makes sense to be here,' said Alex Mitter, housing coordinator for SPAN.
Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County returned as both a vendor and an event sponsor.
'It's very core to our mission to provide advocacy and support to help fight violence against women,' Zonta club president Pam Malzbender said. 'Having a sense of community keeps us all strong and positive, because it makes us know we're not alone.'
A lineup of speakers gave remarks on how community members can stand against sexual assault and domestic violence. Longmont City Councilmembers Sean McCoy and Susie Hidalgo-Fahring spoke to over 50 guests about the city's efforts to oppose sexual violence.
Front Range Community College alum Violet Stoudt speaks to guests on Thursday. Front Range Community College in Longmont raised awareness of sexual violence at 'Take Back the Night.' (Dana Cadey / Staff writer)
'We want to uplift your voices and make sure that stigma doesn't bring us down,' Hidalgo-Fahring told guests on Thursday. 'Together, we will rise.'
Keynote speaker Isabella Grace Cohn recently created a documentary film about survivors of sexual violence. Cohn said it's important to have healthy discussions about consent, boundaries and power dynamics.
'It is crucial that we normalize these conversations, and start them,' Cohn said.
This year, 10 individuals shared personal stories of harassment, abuse and assault during the open mic portion. The evening ended with a candlelight vigil, where participants shared one word to describe how the event made them feel. Several called the event hopeful.
FRCC alum Violet Stoudt said events like Take Back the Night show survivors of sexual assault that they are not alone.
'We want to connect with each other, to tell each other stories,' Stoudt said. 'Being vulnerable is how you build community.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Yahoo
Longmont community remembers U.S. military veterans on Memorial Day
With the American flag flying at half-staff, Longmont community members paid their respects Monday to soldiers who gave their lives in service of the United States. Ceremonies took place around the Longmont area to observe Memorial Day and honor departed veterans. Members of the American Legion Post 32 and the Longs Peak Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2601 hung wreaths for soldiers at Stephen Day Park, Foothills Gardens of Memory and Mountain View Cemetery. 'Let us each in our own way remember those who have made the supreme sacrifice, for that is the true purpose of Memorial Day,' Post 2601 commander Nicholas Miner said. Wreaths are displayed at Mountain View Cemetery in Longmont on Monday. Ceremonies took place around the Longmont area to observe Memorial Day and honor departed veterans. (Dana Cadey/Staff writer) For those attending the ceremonies, the day brought an opportunity to reflect on their personal relationships with members of the military. Mike Pierce, a bugler with the American Legion Post 32 Honor Guard, played 'Taps' on Monday. Pierce said his father was a member of an honor guard as well, and it inspired him to follow in his footsteps. 'I decided that, when I was retired, I would do that,' said Pierce, who has been a bugler for Post 32 for six years. Gary Schmidt, captain of the Post 32 Honor Guard, estimated between 150 and 200 people at the concluding ceremony, which took place at Longmont's Mountain View Cemetery. He said some attendees go to all three ceremonies every year, on top of the flag-raising event at Post 32 held later on Memorial Day. 'That's commitment,' Schmidt said. 'It's impressive to see.' Wreaths were hung by representatives of local organizations, including the Longmont Elks and Moose lodges, and the Post 32 and Post 2601 auxiliaries. Eight wreaths were displayed in tribute to all U.S. military veterans who died. 'Theirs was a just cause,' Post 32 commander Ralph Bozella said as he hung his wreath. At Mountain View Cemetery, guest speaker Patrick Gleason shared stories of his friends — fellow soldiers who were killed in the line of duty. Gleason is a retired master sergeant with 22 years of service, including a combat tour, according to a biographical page. Longs Peak Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2601 chaplain Leon Bartholomay salutes in front of wreaths at Foothills Gardens of Memory north of Longmont on Monday. Ceremonies took place around the Longmont area to observe Memorial Day and honor departed veterans. (Dana Cadey/Staff writer) Gleason, who lives in Longmont, thanked veterans for their service. Memorial Day, he said, is about the soldiers who never came home. 'They are the ones we honor today,' Gleason said. Post 2601 chaplain Leon Bartholomay closed the final ceremony with a prayer. 'May we be inspired to live lives of courage, compassion and service to others,' Bartholomay said.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Yahoo
22nd annual Take Back the Night March honors sexual assault survivors
OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY)– St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center held their 22nd annual Take Back The Night March and Vigil for victims of sexual assault at the Opelousas Junior High School and ended at the courthouse square. Kizzy Shelvin, the community outreach coordinator and educator said, 'It is very important to us to let our community know and others around that someone is here to listen. Someone cares. We have a shoulder for them to clean on.' Data from the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault shows every 68 Seconds an American is sexually assaulted. The website also explained that 81% of women & 43% of men experience some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. However, only 36% of rape and sexual assaults are reported to the police. Hearts of Hope offers aid and resources for sexual violence survivors Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Take Back The Night is an event to give support and a voice to victims. Shelvin said they started in 1999 and it has moved forward through different leadership with the same mission. 'Take Back the Night is to represents that we are no longer held in captivity through what we've been through, no longer being in bondage. We're releasing it and we have people here to help us go through that,' Shelvin said. Lafayette tattoo shop raises funds for abuse and trauma victims With a mixture of supporters and survivors, guest speakers share their testimonies. 'A lot of times we know we have to hurt before we heal. So just to let someone know that, listen, this is how I made it through,' said Shelvin. 'We are here for you. The reason we do take back the night is to let you know that someone is listening, someone cares. Yes, we hear you loud and clear. Don't be ashamed of your testimony again. We don't judge people to violate our bodies.' If you are in need of help you can call the HOTLINE at 1-800-656-HOPE. Also St. Landry-Evangeline Sexual Assault Center Opelousas Main Office is open Monday through Friday 8:00A.M. until 4:30 PM. You can also call at 337-585- HOPE (4673) Trump rails against Fed chair, judges and Joe Biden at 100-day Michigan rally SALT Republicans to huddle with Johnson on key Trump agenda sticking point 22nd annual Take Back the Night March honors sexual assault survivors Law enforcement demonstrates dangers of converted firearm Proposal to develop Holy Rosary Campus into the Northeast Regional Library Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘We're not alone': Longmont community uplifts sexual assault survivors at ‘Take Back the Night'
Front Range Community College in Longmont has opened its doors to anyone seeking resources, validation and comfort in the wake of sexual violence at 'Take Back the Night.' On Thursday, FRCC's Boulder County campus hosted its annual event aimed at supporting survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. Take Back the Night events are observed around the world to decry sexual violence and show people that it hasn't gone away. 'This is our big event of the year,' said Priscilla Larson, president of the college's Feminist Uprising Collective club. 'It's really important, especially with the political climate we're in, to just get resources out to people, and let people be heard and seen.' Lisa Taylor Strauss with Blue Sky Bridge talks to a guest at her booth on Thursday. Front Range Community College in Longmont raised awareness of sexual violence at 'Take Back the Night.' (Dana Cadey / Staff writer) More than 15 local organizations had booths at the event, which was held in the college's outdoor courtyard. Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence — a nonprofit serving people impacted by domestic violence in Boulder and Broomfield counties — was a new presence at Take Back the Night this year. 'It just makes sense to be here,' said Alex Mitter, housing coordinator for SPAN. Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County returned as both a vendor and an event sponsor. 'It's very core to our mission to provide advocacy and support to help fight violence against women,' Zonta club president Pam Malzbender said. 'Having a sense of community keeps us all strong and positive, because it makes us know we're not alone.' A lineup of speakers gave remarks on how community members can stand against sexual assault and domestic violence. Longmont City Councilmembers Sean McCoy and Susie Hidalgo-Fahring spoke to over 50 guests about the city's efforts to oppose sexual violence. Front Range Community College alum Violet Stoudt speaks to guests on Thursday. Front Range Community College in Longmont raised awareness of sexual violence at 'Take Back the Night.' (Dana Cadey / Staff writer) 'We want to uplift your voices and make sure that stigma doesn't bring us down,' Hidalgo-Fahring told guests on Thursday. 'Together, we will rise.' Keynote speaker Isabella Grace Cohn recently created a documentary film about survivors of sexual violence. Cohn said it's important to have healthy discussions about consent, boundaries and power dynamics. 'It is crucial that we normalize these conversations, and start them,' Cohn said. This year, 10 individuals shared personal stories of harassment, abuse and assault during the open mic portion. The evening ended with a candlelight vigil, where participants shared one word to describe how the event made them feel. Several called the event hopeful. FRCC alum Violet Stoudt said events like Take Back the Night show survivors of sexual assault that they are not alone. 'We want to connect with each other, to tell each other stories,' Stoudt said. 'Being vulnerable is how you build community.'
