Wednesday night, I was privileged to be a part of the Take Back the Night March and Rally around campus. It was very empowering and encouraging to see so many people, both men and women, join together in the fight against domestic violence and sexual assault.

However, as we walked up Welch Avenue, candles in hand, chanting to the beats provided by the ISU Drum Line, someone in a white car hollered, “You all are just a bunch of victims!” before speeding off down the street.

We are all victims? Is that why hundreds of people get together to speak out against violent acts against all people?

Nope, sorry. We do not all go into the streets to continue to live in pain and fear, showing bruises and asking for sympathy.

We march together to tell attackers that they cannot hurt us anymore.

And for those of you who still think that we are all just a bunch of feminazis, bitches, whores or whatever other creative name you chose to think up, I pity you.

It saddens me that you think we are the victims when as a matter of fact, it’s the other way around. You are the victims because you choose to turn your heads.

Ignorance, denial, and apathy don’t change the fact that every one out of three women has been abused or assaulted. You can’t change cold, hard facts, nor can you change the names – both male and female – that stand behind every number of abuse and sexual assault cases that exists.

To all who continue to take a stand, I congratulate you for not making yourselves victims of silence.

Angela Gross

Program assistant, Sloss Women’s Center

Sophomore

Agricultural education