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Sally Miller-Cheek of S.A.F.E. Place, Battle Creek, said the philosophy of her organization is empowerment for people who experience sexual violence./Courtesy photo
More than 40 students filled the Fireplace Room in the Burrage Library to show support and learn more about the problems and challenges of sexual violence during Olivet College’s annual Take Back the Night event, held April 6.
Guest speaker Sally-Miller Cheek of S.A.F.E. Place in Battle Creek, a shelter and resources for victims of sexual violence, was most impressed with the number of men in the audience about 15.
While she said that most sexual violence is suffered by women, she also acknowledged the plight of male victims in her 20 or so-minute presentation. She encouraged the audience of mostly students to answer and engage with her as she explained the services at S.A.F.E. Place and shared information about sexual violence in this country.
“Eighty-five percent of everyone in the United States has been affected by domestic violence,” Miller-Cheek said. “And every situation is unique.”
Members of Olivet College’s National Organization for Women spoke about the history of Take Back the Night, and encouraged attendees to join in an educational walk around campus, where speakers shared stories and information.