One in four women on college campuses have been sexually assaulted, according to the Albuquerque Rape Crisis Center.
In addition, 80 percent of rape victims are 21 and under.
These statistics show why UNM's Take Back the Night rally Wednesday night was so important, said the center's Executive Director, Shawn Shephard.
"Any event that calls attention to the prevalence of sexual assault and violence is important," Shephard said.
The rally, in front of the UNM bookstore, was designed to increase participation in educational organizations that strive to end sexual violence in society, said Ocean Munds-Dry, president of the UNM Women's Law Caucus.
"Events like this allow us to interact with the public and get more involved in the community," Munds-Dry said.
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She said event organizers designed this year's rally to honor local survivors of sexual abuse. Anonymous testimonials, an open-mic session and a candlelight vigil were some of the ways they hoped to do this.
Shephard told the more than 80 people in attendance that he was happy they attended the event, but said he was sad that Take Back the Night ever had to be organized.
"We are taking back the night. We are taking back the day. We are taking back the pages. We are taking back our time," Shephard said.
Numerous University and state dignitaries attended the event, including New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Edward Chavez.
Summer Little, program services coordinator for the Women's Resources Center, read the anonymous testimonials describing the effects of sexual violence and abuse on a person's life before allowing numerous people in the audience to share personal stories.
Little said only a few testimonials were collected due to the difficult subject matter.
After that, an open-mic session was held for anyone wishing to speak.
UNM freshman Chris Miller said more events like Take Back the Night need to be organized in order to reduce the amount of sexual violence that exists in society.
Miller is one of several University students who have organized a nonprofit documentary film group in honor of Marissa Mathy-Zvaifler, the 16-year-old who was raped and murdered at the Sunshine Theatre in July.
"I think events like this are amazing," Miller said. "It raises awareness and allows for victims to speak out."
Miller said he was pleased with the turnout, but he wished more men had come to the event.
"The battle against sex crimes should not be a one-gender battle," Miller said.
Munds-Dry said the majority of violence occurs against women, but that the event was all-inclusive.
The event was co-sponsored by the UNM Resource Center; Iota Iota Iota, the Women's Studies Honor Society; the UNM Women's Law Caucus and the Albuquerque Rape Crisis Center.
