REPP boosts rape education with march

By Jessica Alway

According to the U. S. Department of Justice, a woman is raped every two minutes in America. Yet it is estimated that less than 30 percent of these women actually report the crime.

On Thursday night, approximately 150 Santa Clara staff and students along with other community members gathered to send an important message: we will not allow rape in our society. The group met at the Kenna Mall to show support for the fight against sexual violence and to "Take Back the Night."

"Male centered societies, like the one we live in, reduce women to nothing," guest speaker Dr. Larry Nelson, a philosophy professor at Santa Clara, said. "Women are made to be invisible. We are here tonight to make the victims of sexual violence visible, by visibly opposing rape ourselves."

Attendance doubled if not tripled from last year, reported the Rape Education and Prevention Program (REPP). This is the second consecutive year that REPP has co-sponsored the "Take Back the Night" event after it was canceled in 1992.

"I guess people were throwing things at the marchers," event planner, senior Nicole Aeschleman said. "But we just didn't think that was a good enough reason to stop having such an important event. We really wanted to educate people about rape. But we also wanted to simply provide an environment for victims to feel comfortable. Everyone was there for them."

Aeschelman, along with six other members of REPP, started planning the event last spring with the support of the Office of Student Life and Leadership. They arranged for five guest speakers to represent different aspects of the community: Jen Acosta, the assistant dean of students, Aldthy Parle, vice mayor of Santa Clara, Craig Sala from the Santa Clara Police Department, Melissa Rutledge, a Santa Clara alumna, and Nelson all spoke from personal experience with rape.

Despite the incidents in prior years, participants then marched around the residence halls and nearby neighborhoods with lit candles. "Take Back the Night" culminated at Brass Rail where for over two hours various people shared stories, poetry, music or any other form of representation they preferred.

"I am so pleased with the way the event turned out," Aeschleman said. "The most rewarding part was the things people told me after the open mic. They said they never would have had the chance to share their stories if this night didn't happen. It just makes it all worthwhile."

REPP planned for the first speaker to tell her story at the open mic, then hoped others would follow in turn. They never imagined so many people would have something to share.

"People just kept coming and coming," Aeschleman said. "I kept thinking I was going to conclude things and then another person would step up. It was amazing."

Colleen McCullough, a sophomore, attended the event to show her support for the fight against rape.

"I had a couple friends who were raped last year. I felt it was my duty to come and show this isn't right," she said. "But the open mic was really powerful. I actually saw girls I have classes with or walk by on campus. It helps to show that rape doesn't happen just to strangers but people you see everyday."

For the past year the Department of Student Life and Leadership has been striving to improve the climate on campus in regards to reporting assaults and supporting victims.

"We have been working hard but there is still much work to be done," Acosta said. "Fewer than five percent of rapes are ever reported. So until everyone feels safe reporting this crime our goal will not be reached. We must educate the community, then we must commit as a community to stop rape. Santa Clara is not immune."

Sala echoed Acosta's push for education.

"There is evil out there," he said. "Rape is a violent crime. It is a hostile attack where the ultimate goal is to hurt and humiliate the victim. And it happens here on campus. But it can be prevented if you know the facts."

Sala went on to outline various tips to reduce the chance for rape. He advocated the use of home security systems, but advised to never admit to being alone.

"Be alert to your surroundings. Always stay in well-lit areas, being alert to your surroundings. Walk with confidence; you never want to appear vulnerable. Know where to get help if you need it," he said. "But rely on your instincts. There is something powerful in womanly instincts. I always listen to females when they have that 'feeling', you should listen to it too."