We are here today for two reasons – to support the survivors in our community because no one should have to suffer alone, and to stand, together, against violence – against those who perpetrate violence and against a society that normalizes violence.

The Women’s Student Activist Collective strives to empower women, transgender, and gender non-conforming people to make positive changes in society by eliminating interrelated inequalities that produce oppression, with a focus on gender and sexuality.

Violence is a form of oppression, and the Women’s Student Activist Collective seeks to eliminate this oppression and the inequalities that produce it. Hetero-normativity and sexism in our society perpetuate this violence by normalizing the power dynamics that produce it, and the stereotypical gender roles that excuse it. When violent crimes occur against people because of their gender or sexuality, it is a direct result of those who are in power punishing those whose identities are not heteronormative. The result is often that LGBTQ people either learn to hide their identities or, like women, are afraid to walk the streets.

Bell hooks, a critically acclaimed feminist writer, revolutionizes the scope of domestic violence by naming it as “patriarchal violence” – a term that forces us to consider the connection between violence and sexism. Both hetero-normativity and sexism rely on the unequal distribution of power based on gender and sexuality. Violence is the way that these power dynamics are maintained in society. Whether it’s between a heterosexual couple, in a queer context, within a family structure, classified as a hate crime, or solely affecting how an individual feels when they walk down the street, when violence or the threat of violence is used to control another individual, it is patriarchy at work.

Instead of only encouraging those under the threat of victimization to take self-defense classes, carry pepper spray, or change the way they choose to present their bodies, society needs to hold those who perpetrate violence accountable, not blame the victims.

The following advice is posted on the door of the Women’s Student Activist Collective in Coffman 202 – a safe space on the U of M campus for women, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals, although everyone is welcome – this advice is meant for those who choose to perpetrate violence, not those who are victims of it.

1. Don’t put drugs in people’s drinks in order to control their behavior.

2. When you see someone walking by themselves, leave them alone!

3. If you pull over to help someone with car problems, remember not to assault them!

4. NEVER open an unlocked door or window uninvited.

5. If you are in an elevator and someone else gets in, DON’T ASSAULT THEM!

6. Remember, people go to the laundry room to do their laundry, do not attempt to molest someone who is alone in a laundry room.

7. USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM! If you are not able to stop yourself from assaulting people, ask a friend to stay with you while you are in public.

8. Don’t forget: you shouldn’t have sex with someone unless they are awake and sober!

9. Carry a whistle! If you are worried you might assault someone "on accident" you can hand it to the person you are with, so they can blow it if you do.

10. And, ALWAYS REMEMBER: if you didn’t ask permission and then respect the answer the first time, you are committing a crime- no matter how "into it" others appear to be.

Patriarchal violence, no matter what the relationship or the gender identity, is a serious and deadly problem in our society. Patriarchal violence confines individuals to live within the bounds of what oppressive society tells them – patriarchal violence teaches us to be afraid.

I am incredibly honored to stand with you all tonight against this issue – so for the survivors and for everyone, let’s take back the night!