Take Back the Night

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sarah Breer
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, made a pledge against sexual violence along with other Tampa community leaders during the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's annual Take Back the Night event April 21.

"In our organization," said DeThomas, "we will continue to ensure a zero tolerance policy on sexual assault."

Before the pledge, survivors shared their stories of trauma and survival. Poetry was read, the revitalizing rhythms designed to help overcome trauma.

Dating back to 1975, in Philadelphia, Penn., Take Back the Night has become known as a way to take a stand against sexual violence and speak out against it. This year's event was coordinated by the Crisis Center and VOICE: the Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay, to bring knowledge to the area, with hopes of stopping sexual violence.

Community members from many walks of life volunteered to help with the event.
Haley Traylor, a Hillsborough Community College student, has volunteered for the last two years.

"I volunteered at the crisis center last year for a class," said Traylor. "During that time, I got involved with the Take Back the Night program; I enjoyed it so much and gained so much of myself through it, that I came back again this year."

Members of Team MacDill's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program were at the event, supporting Tampa Bay in the battle against sexual assault.

"We participate to join with our community partners in sending a message of zero tolerance for sexual assault, and to empower survivors and to help in their healing process," said Staci Vileta, 6th AMW sexual assault response coordinator.

Sexual assault affects everyone, and MacDill's SARC understands that point.

"Sexual assault is not a military or civilian issue -- it is a people issue in general," said 1st Lt. Brittany Clifton, 6th AMW deputy SARC. "For no other reason, that is a good enough reason for us to take part in Take Back the Night."