The Lawrence, KS Take Back the Night event on Thursday, September 18, 2008 proved to be informational, moving, and therapeutic. Organizers created a comfortable environment where all were welcomed and encouraged to share their stories by combining both an easygoing, fun atmosphere with the strong emotions brought forth by the issues. Survivors and supporters joined together to let the community know that domestic violence and sexual assault exist and we are not going to just stand by and let it happen. The night began with informational booths, food and drinks, and The Clothesline Project which allowed participants to create and display a t-shirt of their own design expressing their experience with domestic violence. Speakers followed, including Christie and Curt Brungardt, the parents of Jana Mackey, a Kansas University law student and activist whose life was recently taken by her former boyfriend. The Brungardt’s encourage all to join the fight by visiting their website Eleven Hundred Torches. The event then took to the streets with a march on downtown Lawrence, Kansas while participants carried signs and shouted rally cries and concluded with an emotional candlelight vigil. I recommend to anyone interested in supporting this cause to search out a Take Back the Night event in an area near you. Get educated, and if you or anyone you know may be at risk of domestic violence or sexual abuse reach out and get help. Together we can unite, take back the night.