Fighting the Good Fight

Staying silent was not an option anymore

written by Sophie Thompson

The gates are surrounded by a small crowd, huddled together in the approaching shadows of an autumn night. The wind howls and stings, yet the crowd proves unperturbed. They chatter in the cold, holding their signs, handmade with marker and sharpie. They wait.

A megaphone crackles amid the rush of cars passing by. The crowd hushes in anticipation. A student makes her way to the front. The rally begins. It is a night I will never forget.

The crowd is about 50 people in size, all of them focused and determined to spread awareness about one topic: sexual assault. There is an even spread of both men and women, some of them survivors and others who just want to share their support. The rally begins with cheers and slogans, shouting strongly to let Oxford know what the purpose of this gathering is.

“When women’s rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back!”

The thundering echo of the rally reverberates around uptown Oxford, and makes its way back to the heart of Miami University as the group walks toward campus, continuing their chanting. Together they walk, a tight-knit crowd, their mission carrying them forward as they filter into Armstrong Student Center.

One by one, they gather in a circle around the seal, their voices filling the building, causing the late-night inhabitants of Armstrong to look up in surprise. The rally members meet each stare they receive with unflinching resolve. Each person stands, signs held firmly in front of their body, ready for what is to come.

A woman comes forward and spreads her hands. She invites members of the rally to speak, to say anything they would like about the reason they are gathered here today. She assures the crowd that anyone who wishes to speak will be offered a chance.

A short pause. A few heartbeats pass. For a moment, silence reigns. It seems no one will say anything. Then a student steps out from the circle and crosses to the front. The crowd claps. Encouraging smiles are offered, full attention given. She opens her mouth, takes a deep breath, and speaks.

It is the first of a series of heartbreaking narratives. A story unfolds—how it happened. When. The aftermath. Learning to cope. Another person speaks after the first. A different tale, with different circumstances and reactions.

More and more people leave the circle to offer those listening a gift—the truth. The truth of what happened to them and so many others; a powerful description of what they endured and survived. Men and women bravely reveal their stories with unwavering support for one another, and after each person finishes speaking, a round of applause, as well as comfort and love await them.

Listening to their accounts, I felt my heart tear in two. That was the moment I knew how important this issue is. To see the tears stream down their faces, to hear the catch in their throats and the shaky breaths they let go when telling their stories—that was the moment I knew this was real.

Staying silent was not an option anymore.

Which was why, when reports on the Harvey Weinstein scandal came pouring in that very same month, I read each and every article. I thought back to the rally and knew how hard it was for these women to come forward because I had heard firsthand how survivors of sexual assault were ignored and disbelieved when they told someone they trusted. I knew that it was of paramount importance that victims of sexual assault be believed and that they receive support and help immediately. Sexual assault is an issue surrounding our society every day. Awareness has been raised. Now it’s time to do something about it.

Andrew Houston, President of MARS (Men Against Rape and Sexual Assault), said, “The best way to prevent this from happening is to intervene. There are usually witnesses to the buildup of many sexual assaults and all it takes is someone to step up and say something.”

So when you see any sexual assault or harassment of any kind, step up. And in the echoing words of the rally, fight back.

Contact the National Sexual Assault hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673)