Racist, sexist, anti-gay – you can’t take our night away.”

These words, part of a march chant for Take Back the Night, rang through Campustown and the greek community Wednesday evening.

This is the 10th year the ISU community participated in Take Back the Night, an organized rally and march designed to increase awareness of sexual assault. The event, which originated in England and later spread to San Francisco, was organized locally by the Committee Against Violence, which includes representatives from many campus organizations.

“One in four women will be sexually assaulted at some point in their lives,” said Judy Dolphin, YWCA executive director. “Take Back the Night provides a partnership between victims and people who want to provide support for them.”

This year’s event featured four speakers and a march that began at the Memorial Union, swept through Campustown and the greek neighborhoods and concluded at Lake LaVerne.

At the night’s end, participants set floating candles on Lake LaVerne in remembrance of sexual assault victims who didn’t survive.

“We know Veishea is a dangerous time for women and the potential for acquaintance rape or violence exists,” she said. “We’ve chosen to hold this event during Veishea to raise awareness about appropriate behavior and to encourage it throughout the week.”

Sexual assault affects everybody in some way, Dolphin said.

Marching through Campustown and the greek neighborhoods demonstrated concern for these areas, Dolphin said.

“Walking past the bars in Campustown is a good statement to make because alcohol can be a factor in violence,” she said. “Also, there is an image associated with the greek community suggesting it isn’t safe for women.”

Dolphin said the image is a stereotype, but has some validity.

“The fact that the Interfraternity and Pan-Hellenic councils are supporting this march shows that the men in the fraternities of ISU believe women should be safe,” Dolphin said.

Dolphin said the Oak-Elm Council led the march to show support from the residence halls.

Angelina Thomas, assistant Story County attorney, spoke at the rally. She called sexual assault “one of the most emotionally devastating and under-reported crimes.”

Recent legislation has made reporting and prosecuting assault cases more effective, Thomas said.

“A local organization called the Sexual Abuse Response Team combines the efforts of law enforcement officers, medical personnel and volunteers to provide victims with information on their options and assist them with the process of reporting assault,” she said.

Leticia Romo, co-chairwoman of Take Back the Night and junior in management, said being involved with the event has given her a new sense of identity.

“This is something people should care about,” she said. “What is it going to take for people to take this seriously? Will it take their daughters getting raped?”

Cara Short, senior in psychology, also spoke at the rally.

“I’m a survivor of child abuse,” she said. “Though these experiences are painful, it is important not to let them consume you.

“The abuse I’ve experienced in the past does not define who I am. It is a part of me, but not all of me.”