Chanting could be heard around the ISU campus Wednesday evening as students, faculty and advocates “took back the night” and showed their support for victims of sexual assault.

The rally began at 7:15 p.m. when Julie Wooden, sexual assault services coordinator for ACCESS (Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support), took the steps of Curtiss Hall to introduce and thank speakers.

“It’s time to focus on sexual assault — in education, prevention and awareness,” Wooden said. “You are part of a movement to speak out against violence against women.”

Laura Armstrong and Nancy Ziegenmeyer, both survivors and victims-rights advocates, told their stories and gave statistics on rapes that occur in the United States.

“One in four women will fall victim to rape. One in two women will be victims of attempted rape. One in 10 rapes will be reported. And only one in nine rapes will result in a successful prosecution of the rapists,” Ziegenmeyer said. “Education is the key to preventing rape.”

Ziegenmeyer said rape is the fastest-growing crime, and it’s also the most under-reported crime.

“The community cannot turn their backs on rape,” she said. “When I became a victim of sexual assault and I found my voice, that’s when I found my sanity, and that’s when I became a survivor.”

As the rally came to an end, candles were passed around and lit in preparation for the march. About 150 activists joined together in chanting verses such as “Stop the Violence/No More Violence” and “People United/We Will Never Be Divided.”

Marchers walked a path lit by luminaries through the greek community and Campustown, as various houses and businesses showed their support. The march was led back to the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center for a reception.

Ryan Chambers, junior in business, said it is important to support an event that gives a chance for people to come together.

“It’s good to know that people aren’t alone — that there are professionals and peers to help them cope,” Chambers said. “And it’s important to remind people that this can happen to anyone, anywhere.”

Many students and members of the Ames community said they had felt informed and empowered by the speeches.

Jamie Toombs, junior in child and family services, said she enjoyed listening to other people’s stories during the rally.

“I think that everyone has something in their lives that has made them feel like a victim,” Toombs said. “Hearing other people talk about their experiences makes you feel less alone.”

Wooden said she was very pleased with the turnout, but she would have liked more men to attend and participate in anti-violence movements.

“It’s important to recognize that rape is a highly under-reported crime,” Wooden said. “‘Take Back the Night’ only happens once a year, but people should be thinking about it every day of the year.”

Sarah Fletcher, senior in architecture, said that she thought the event was a good cause and important not just for women but minorities also.

“It’s necessary to recognize that these things go on everywhere, even in Ames and at Iowa State,” Fletcher said.