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This past Thursday, several campus groups at the University of Maine held Take Back the Night, an event in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Maine Campus encourages students to participate in these events, no matter how painful it may be to listen to the stories of abuse and assault victims.
Throughout the night, students walked to the mic and shared stories of abuse and violence that were painful to take in. No matter how difficult it might be to hear stories like this, it is important to understand that such cases do happen, and the impact that these actions have on the people who experience them.
Sexual assault on campus is notoriously underreported, but it is clearly too common. With so many difficult stories at one event, it’s easy to become uncomfortable. However, it is impossible to walk away unmoved.
It’s important to confront one’s self with these issues. The stories of victims heighten our awareness and can affect the way we think about our own experiences, from the way we treat our partners to everyone who differs from us.
Discomfort is OK. Confronting issues that aren’t “safe” is the first step to personal growth and recognition. This will help inform views and determine how we develop as individuals and as a society.
Bangor Daily News