The campus of Emporia State University was illuminated with hope, healing and advocacy thanks to local residents and the many advocates of SOS Thursday evening.
The annual Take Back the Night event welcomed students of ESU and residents of Emporia to Albert Taylor Hall and featured presentations from Curt and Christie Brungardt the co-founders of Jana’s Campaign, and ESU alumnus, sexual assault survivor and victim advocate Emily Steimel-Handy.
Jana’s Campaign is a non-profit organization that provides support, education and advocacy for victims of dating violence and domestic and sexual assault. The Brudngarts founded the organization following their daughter’s death at the hands of an ex-boyfriend back in 2008.
Curt Brundgart says following their daughter’s death, he and his wife, both collegiate professors, were compelled to speak out and help advocate for others.
When asked what Take Back the Night means to them, Christie Brundgart stated it is an opportunity to help residents and specifically college students “reclaim a safe space they never should have lost.”
Steimel-Handy’s presentation focused on both her assault and the direct impacts it had on her life. She says following her assault she slipped into a state of disassociation which she says is a common occurrence among victims.
Towards the end of her presentation, Steimel-Handy noted that sexual violence “thrives in silence” and encouraged more open dialogues on the matter saying the more the topic is discussed the more knowledge is gained on a societal level.
Following the presentations, activities moved outdoors for the traditional Take Back the Night March and returned to Albert Taylor for a voluntary speak-out session where those in attendance were invited to share their stories and experiences in a safe and compassionate space. SOS Director Connie Cahoone, a survivor of domestic violence, says hearing the stories of others can often be the greatest source of support someone can receive during their journey of healing.
For more information on SOS and its services be sure to visit SOSKansas.com.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News and Cara Codney of SOS.
