The Mount Saint Mary College community took part in the annual Take Back the Night march on Monday, April 17.

Mount community members gathered on the Dominican Center steps to hear from keynote speaker and Take Back the Night founder Katie Koestner, who shared how her story and experience led her to become a trailblazing activist against sexual violence, and being the first to start a nationwide dialogue about the crime of date rape.

After Koestner’s address, the audience walked in solidarity across campus, holding candles to light the way in order to honor survivors of sexual violence and to express support as they continue their healing journey. Along the way, the procession heard from students who presented poetry pieces related to sexual violence, and the importance of empowering survivors.

Koestner shared a similar message with the audience, emphasizing how powerful their own voices can be.

“You don’t need anything, except a voice,” she told the Mount community, “because silence is the easy way out.”

Take Back the Night is a nationwide event that takes place at college campuses to raise awareness to end sexual violence in all forms, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, trafficking, stalking, gender harassment, and relationship violence. Koestner is the founder of the Take Back the Night Foundation, which campaigns for safer communities through events and initiatives.