Last week, I took part in the second annual Take Back the Night event at my college. For those of you who don't know, Take Back the Night (TBTN) is a movement to raise awareness for sexual, relationship and domestic abuse. There were a few speakers and a candlelit march, chant included. Then we all headed back to our rooms. And while the event was powerful, I realized that I had a way to raise even more awareness.

TBTN events started in the early 1970s following the murder of a microbiologist. It was the title of a memorial read at an anti-violence rally, with a variation of the title being used in Belgium for a march protesting violence against women. In 2001, some of the women who had been at the original march formed a non-profit organization to end violence against women.

Since then, the movement has spread to 30 countries and across the U.S., mainly on college campuses. Some schools opt to keep it a female-only event while others welcome males and advocate for an end to sexual violence of all kinds. At each event there is typically a survivor who speaks on their story, followed by a candlelit vigil or march.

This movement is incredibly important in today's culture, where rape and sexual abuse are still brushed under the rug. One in three women and one in six men will be sexually assaulted or abused at some point in their lives. Less than 50 percent of these crimes are reported. Take Back the Night is trying to put an end to this.

One of the phrases often chanted at these events is "shatter the silence." This is a call to those who have chosen not to tell their stories and report their abusers. It's a call for them to join the movement and the support system built into it. Each event tends to have counselors, and local abuse shelters who can help people coming out of abusive relationships or recovering from sexual assault.

To learn more about Take Back the Night or to schedule your own event, click here.