Survivors of sexual assault speak out at UNLV event

By Jackie Valley

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 | 11:37 a.m.

One by one, the survivors climbed three steps, walked nervously toward the microphone on the makeshift stage in UNLV’s Pida Plaza on Wednesday night and began speaking. For some, tears came before words.

“It’s bittersweet to be here today,” said the first speaker, a woman with loosely curled, long brown hair, who wiped tears from her eyes as she composed herself.

For her, it happened when she was 18 years old. She attended a party at a co-worker’s home, left her drink unattended when she used the restroom and began feeling dizzy shortly thereafter. Her arms felts like jelly as the attacker climbed on top of her.

“I remember repeating to my abuser, ‘No, I don’t want this!’” she said.

Guilt and shame followed in the years to come, especially after the woman learned her assailant had drugged and assaulted someone else. Now, 10 years later, she felt strong enough Wednesday evening to stand on stage at the “Survivor Speak Out,” organized by the CARE Advocates, a student group on campus, as part of events raising awareness about domestic violence and

sexual assault.

This year, UNLV expanded Take Back the Night — an event to foster awareness for victims and survivors of domestic, sexual, dating and gender violence — from one to six days. Cristina Hernandez, director of UNLV’s Jean Nidetch Women’s Center, said the university wants to let them know “they’re not alone. There is a place on campus where they will be believed.”

Attendees tied messages to purple- and teal-colored balloons and then let them go in unison, a cathartic gesture to kick off the “Survivor Speak Out,” which organizers warned might trigger painful memories for those who have experienced domestic or sexual violence.

By the end of the evening, thirteen survivors, including two men, had shared their stories — including violence by strangers, intimate partners, emotional abuse by family members and molestation. They spoke of pain and shame, recovery and joy, and the need to be heard.

One young woman, shaking as she spoke, described how her friend called her a liar when she shared with him her long-held secret. “That was probably more damaging to me than the memories,” she said. “What should be given is support and not shame and blame.”

The weeks’ signature event, the Take Back the Night March, begins at 5 p.m. today in UNLV’s student union courtyard. Victims and survivors of interpersonal violence who need information, support or resources can call the Campus Advocacy Resource and Empowerment (CARE) line at 702-895-0602.

Jackie Valley can be reached at 702-524-8269 or [email protected]. Follow Jackie on Twitter at twitter.com/JackieValley