Survivors and friends of victims told harrowingstories of sexual assault and physical violence.Some burst out with anger, while others broke downin tears.

Some students from another Boston-area schoolstepped into the middle of the circle and askedthe group to let loose a scream in honor of othersurvivors.

"A moment of silence? Fuck that," one of thewomen said. "I want a moment of screaming for allof the women who can't be heard."

The procession then moved up Brattle Street,chanting "end the silence, stop the violence." Ayoung woman in a basement classroom stoppedteaching to give the protestors a thumbs-upthrough the street-level window.

One of the participants turned to a visitor."This is absolutely incredible," she said, tearsstreaming down her face. "Draining, butincredible."

By 9:30 p.m., two hours after the rally'sstart, the candlelight was dwindling. Rallyersgathered on the grass outside Schlesinger Library,still telling their stories and expressing theneed for change.

Just before the event wrapped up, one manstepped forward and said the evening marked hisfirst Take Back the Night event. He glanced at themoon, shining over Radcliffe Yard as it had overthe MAC Quad and the Memorial Church steps.

"It's a really beautiful night to take back,"he said