How many stories go untold on our campus? Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) and Confidential Advocacy are partnering at Sonoma State to host their annual Take Back the Night event on April 30, 2026. This event’s main goal is to stand up to and end all forms of sexual violence.
Take Back the Night focuses on creating a space to build empowerment and hope for anyone affected by sexual violence. This event is important because it creates a community that stands strong and united together. When talking about sexual violence, we need to speak the truth and tell the untold stories. Take Back the Night is not just an event, but a reminder to refuse to stay silent and choose empowerment over fear.
Sexual violence can happen at any time and in any place, and our university is no exception. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Nearly half of women and more than 1 in 6 men experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetimes.”
Take Back the Night matters because someone you know has experienced sexual violence, whether they are vocal about it or not. This event is important because it focuses on empowering sexual violence survivors and provides a safe space that celebrates the courage to speak out against sexual violence and stand united to end it.
The event will have an excerpt from Eve Engler’s famous play, Vagina Monologues, along with a motivational speaker discussing ending sexual violence and supporting its survivors. It aims to provide a safe haven for anyone affected and will give attendees the opportunity to speak out and share their story.
Sexual violence is a sensitive topic, and it needs to be approached in a thoughtful and appropriate manner. Nevertheless, it is a subject that needs to be talked about, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. Easier said than done, but it is important not to stay silent about sexual violence. Fear and shame thrive in isolation. Speaking out about these experiences shines light on the problem at large and empowers the community to stand together.
This event is not only limited to sexual violence survivors, but to anyone who wants to stand up against and end sexual violence. Take Back the Night is a community event stemming from empowerment and hope. The seed starts with you, and the courage and empowerment to speak your truth.
