Hundreds rallied on the National Mall Thursday night, showing support for the woman at the center of the gang rape allegations at Cornell University and calling attention to violent sexual assaults.

The rally started at the base of the Washington Monument, where supporters carried signs that said things like “Stop Violence Against Women” and “She Screamed for Help and the World Asked for Proof.”

Several sexual assault survivors also shared their stories during the organized gathering.

College student Riley told her story. “I blame the person who saw my vulnerability and took advantage of it with the context of a relationship that I was told was safe.” Riley says even though she still has a goal of being a lawyer one day, that experience took a lot away from her. “I had to step away from my education, that is the thing that matters most to me in my life.”

Survivor Grace told the crowd about being sexually assaulted at age 17. “We don’t have to live this way anymore and we will not live this way anymore.”

Sexual assault survivor advocate Aaron Parnas had a message for men. “When your friend makes a joke about a woman who is too drunk to consent, you don’t laugh, you say that’s not funny. When you see someone being pulled into a room, you don’t walk past it; you step in.”

Survivor advocate Cheyenne Hunt called for laws to be changed and women’s claims about sexual assault to be taken more seriously. “How many women will we silence to protect the futures of promising young men?”

The rally concluded with a moment of silence, music and a march to the White House, with the crowd chanting several slogans, including “What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!”

The march and rally were part of a National Day of Action around sexual assault. The organizers said they refuse to accept a country where sexual violence goes unpunished.

Source