SAVE put on its annual Take Back the Night event to show solidarity with survivors of sexual violence.
In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the University of Tulsa’s Student Alliance for Violence Education hosted its annual “Take Back the Night” event, an evening dedicated to supporting survivors and raising awareness around the issue of sexual violence. Held Friday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in Lorton, the event brought together students, faculty, and local organizations in a powerful show of solidarity. Vice President of the organization, Issy Harris, discussed the importance of destigmatizing conversations around sex, both proactively to prevent sexual violence on campus, but also to ensure a safe environment for survivors to speak out. In that way, events like “Take Back the Night” are central to the group’s mission, aiming to reduce stigma, empower survivors, and build a culture of safety and respect on campus. The evening featured a welcoming atmosphere with free Olive Garden, tables filled with resources, and giveaways like stickers, buttons, bracelets, drinks, with the goal of creating a space where students felt comfortable learning about serious topics such as consent, healthy relationships, and how to best support survivors.
The “Take Back the Night” movement has its roots in a 1970s global movement, with protests erupting aimed at reclaiming public spaces for women, particularly at night, from the fear of being raped, harassed, or otherwise harmed. Today the protests’ goals remain much the same: to reclaim safety and visibility for survivors of sexual violence. SAVE’s event kept this spirit in emphasizing not only awareness, but action, by encouraging students to take part in prevention efforts and become informed allies.
Several Tulsa-based organizations joined the event to share resources and connect with students. TU’s Counseling and Psychological Services offered mental health support and information, while Domestic Violence Intervention Services provided materials about emergency shelters and advocacy for those experiencing domestic violence. DVIS highlighted its inclusive, trauma-informed services to men, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and families with pets. The Take Control Initiative provided students with information on how to access free birth control and reproductive healthcare. As a Tulsa-based nonprofit, TCI focuses on removing barriers to contraception by offering free access to a wide range of birth control options, including IUDs, implants, pills and other methods. They also support individuals under 18, who can receive birth control and related services without parental consent. Amplify Youth Health Collective, another participating organization, focuses on sexual health education and consent based education. As a Tulsa nonprofit, Amplify also works with Tulsa Public Schools to deliver inclusive, evidence-based sexual education and healthy relationship resources.
Throughout April, SAVE continues to host events and campaigns for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The organization will be tabling at the Student Union on April 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in honor of Denim Day. This international day of action was inspired by outrage over a controversial ruling in Italy, where a rape conviction was overturned based on the claim that the victim’s jeans were too tight to be removed without consent. Denim Day has since become a global symbol of protest against victim-blaming and a day of solidarity with survivors. At the Denim Day table, students can expect more free resources, conversation-starters, and supportive materials aimed at keeping awareness alive beyond a single event. Events like “Take Back the Night” serve as a reminder that awareness and prevention are ongoing efforts. By partnering with local organizations and creating accessible, student-centered spaces, SAVE continues to foster a campus culture rooted in empathy, education, and empowerment.
For TU students directly impacted by sexual assault, stalking, or domestic violence, confidential support is available through the university’s survivor advocate. Students can reach out at (918)-631-2965 or by visiting the advocate’s office on the third floor of the Holmes Center.
