We gather together to Take Back The Night for the survivors and victims of sexual violence in our community and to take a stand here and with others throughout the nation against rape and sexual assault. This annual event is a time both for healing and for being heard. It is a time to show our support for those who are victimized by sexual violence and a time to raise awareness of this significant and troubling problem. I join you tonight in these aims.
Rape remains the most underreported crime in our nation.
Yet in Pennsylvania alone, there are 8 reported rapes of women per day. The victims, their family and friends, and our society are deeply affected by these crimes of aggressive and violent dominance. Sexual assault is a special concern in a campus community such as ours. The college culture, particularly behaviors surrounding the use of alcohol, can magnify those aspects of our society that promote sexual aggression. Acquaintance rape and, more generally, non-consensual sexual activity are problems that impact our university.