Approximately 40 advocates against sexual assault and domestic violence marched down State Street to the Capitol Wednesday to participate in the ""Take Back the Night"" event hosted by the Campus Women's Center.
Event coordinator Loni Arendt says it is important that the community is informed of sexual assault and violence issues.
""The main purpose [of the rally] is to raise awareness about sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and LGBT issues. Everyone has the right to feel safe at night,"" Arendt said.
Arendt said many violent issues are still recognized as normal in society.
""You would be surprised on how rape and sexual assault are still very accepted in the community,"" Arendt said.
Six speakers, including local poets and students, spoke at the steps of the Capitol at the rally.
Campus Women's Center Program Coordinator Rae Lymer said the frigid, windy weather did not stop people from coming out to the rally and supporting a good cause.
""I think that it shows a really profound message that, even though the weather may be variable, people still care about these issues,"" Lymer said.
The advocates said the statistics of sexual assault in America prove the relevance of the issue.
Over 95 percent of college rapes go unreported, and approximately one million women are physically assaulted by their partner every year in the United States, according to the Campus Women's Center.
