Minot takes back the night Published Nov. 4, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Apryl Hall Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT, N.D. -- More than 50 individuals from the greater Minot community gathered, Oct. 29, to raise awareness against domestic violence and sexual assault. The Take Back the Night event, held at the McFarland Lobby on Minot State University's campus, featured informational booths, guest speakers, live music and a candlelit vigil walk. Staff members from Minot's Domestic Violence Crisis Center and MSU students from the Student Social Work Organization hosted the event, which has been held throughout cities across the country every October since the 1970s, said event coordinator Dionne Spooner. In a collaborative effort, individuals from Minot AFB's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program also participated in the event. "Working together is really important, because we want people to understand that no social change can happen with one individual," said Spooner. "The more coordination you can have with groups, networking and organizations, the more impact you can make." Reagan Gagne, 5th Bomb Wing SAPR Program Manager, has been participating in MSU's Take Back the Night event since 2007. In attempt to get optimal attendance at SAPR events, Gagne also works to strengthen bonds with other programs, she said. "Not only do we get more bodies at our events, but we get more participation through the outlets we offer," said Gagne. "We are also able to give victims options for more resources." Due to the combined effort of the organizations at this year's Take Back the Night, the event had its biggest turnout yet, said Gagne. Although the event highlighted several different participants, the standout moment of the night was when domestic abuse and sexual assault survivors shared their emotional personal stories, she added. "When you have a member of the community who is strong enough to talk about their abuse in front of a big group of people, it's very powerful," said Gagne. Many in the room were brought to tears upon hearing the story of one woman who had her finger cut off by her boyfriend because she was not chopping vegetables fast enough. "It's hard to sit there and hear some of that," said first-time Take Back the Night attendee 1st Lt. Jessica Hellmann. "I'm human, so naturally I get emotional, but this job is about remembering that I'm a professional and this person needs my help." Hellmann, who took the position of 5th BW SAPR deputy in early October, is still settling in to her new job and the responsibilities that come with it, but despite all the training and new information to learn, Hellmann is up for the challenge. "I'm really excited to try something new," said Hellmann, who previously worked as a readiness officer for the 5th Force Support Squadron. "It's especially exciting because this job is so meaningful in our community." With Hellmann getting her first look at a combined event, she said it is evident that the best way to reach out to the community is to use all possible outlets. With the efforts put forth by each individual organization, the event was a success, she added. Although Hellmann is just starting out her career in the SAPR program, she knows just what it means to take back the night. "It's about feeling safe in your community," said Hellmann. "It's about speaking out, finding a safe place with a trusted group of people and taking back the right to feel comfortable walking down the street at night."