Take Back the Night event in downtown Burns allows community members to rally around those hurt by sexual assault

By Lauren Brown
Burns Times-Herald

More than 50 residents turned out for the Take Back the Night event sponsored by HHope women’s shelter on April 30 in the vacant lot on Broadway in downtown Burns.

Along with a team of volunteers, HHope case manager Renee Mize began organizing the event about a month ago as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month held annually in April. “It’s a hard topic to talk about. It’s so personal,” she said.

The evening included a march down Broadway as well as readings by teens and others who have been affected by sexual assault. “They put so much emotion into it,” said HHope domestic violence advocate Rosie Richburg.

Mize noted that it is heartbreaking to hear teenagers talk about sexual assault. “I think it’s so sad that they have those words in their vocabulary,” she said. “At 16 and 17 they shouldn’t even know about sexual assault.” However, the reality is that sexual assault happens to people of all ages, and it happens right here in Harney County.

According to the district attorney’s office, in the past year alone there have been 33 sexual assaults in Harney County. Six of those occurred in the last four months. “We like to believe we are sheltered here in Harney County, but we’re not,” Mize said. She noted that most sexual assaults are perpetrated by an acquaintance, close to home and occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and midnight. “It’s not some stranger lurking in the bushes,” Mize said.

The April 30 event wrapped up with refreshments and cake served to the 50-some people who attended the event. “There was a spectrum of ages,” Mize said. “It was just wonderful. I was so impressed.”

As part of the event, Mize contacted Burns High School art teacher Lisa Blake regarding having students design posters for the event with the theme “Shatter the Silence,” and Mize was absolutely blown away by the students’ creativity. The posters were put up around town and copies were made for signs to be held during the Take Back the Night event. “I was so impressed with the teenagers and their participation,” Mize said.

HHope director Laura Van Cleave said the posters were so good, they will be included in a newsletter to be sent out from Salem.

Mize was really pleased with the way the Take Back the Night event turned out. “It was one of the best things I’ve ever attended,” she said.