VSU’s Take Back the Night Challenges Cultural Norms with Bold Presentation

VALDOSTA — Believing no one should fear the day or the night, Valdosta State University recently invited students to Take Back the Night, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors, and fostering a campus culture rooted in respect and accountability.

Take Back the Night featured a powerful and though-provoking “Sex Rules” presentation by Briana Hansen, educator, advocate, writer, actress, comedian, and sexual assault survivor. Throughout the evening, she engaged attendees in an open and honest dialogue about consent, communication, and healthy relationships.

Hansen challenged common misconceptions about sex and relationships, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, mutual respect, and enthusiastic consent.  Using relatable examples and interactive discussion, she encouraged attendees to reflect on personal boundaries, societal norms, and the role each individual plays in preventing sexual misconduct.

Holly Wright, Blazer Wellness manager at VSU, said that conversations like these are essential. Equipping students with the language and confidence to communicate openly creates safer environments where respect is the standard, she shared.

“My hope is that this conversation helped students see that consent is an ongoing, mutual process grounded in clear communication and respect, not a one-time decision or assumption,” she added. “Ideally, they feel more confident expressing their own boundaries while also actively listening to and honoring others’ boundaries, even in situations that may feel uncomfortable or unclear. I also hope it encouraged them to normalize open conversations about expectations and respect in relationships and to recognize their role in creating a culture where empathy, accountability, and mutual respect are the standard.”

Students responded positively to the presentation, noting its candid tone and practical takeaways. Many expressed that the event helped clarify complex topics in an engaging way and empowered them to approach relationships with greater awareness and responsibility. 

Take Back the Night’s history dates back at least half a century, to a time when women from many European countries gathered as a tribunal council to discuss safety when walking down public streets. The movement found its way to the United States in the 1970s, again emerging from a desire to make the streets a safe place at night. In 1973 protesters spoke out against pornography in San Francisco, California, and the murdering of women of color in Los Angeles, according to the Take Back the Night Foundation. Two years later, a march was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, after the murder of Susan Alexander Speeth, a microbiologist who was stabbed to death while walking home alone.

Today, Take Back the Night focuses on ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse, and all other forms of sexual violence. While some events are women-only, many others include men as victims, bystanders, and supporters.

VSU remains committed to promoting safety, respect, and well-being across campus through ongoing programming, resources, and partnerships.

VSU’s Take Back the Night was sponsored by Blazer Wellness and the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Task Force, as well as The Haven, a nonprofit organization that provides 24-hour temporary shelter and services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, strangulation, and human trafficking across South Georgia. It was part of a series of events, including self-defense classes and healthy relationship workshops, held throughout the month of April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month.