Almost 300 people gathered on the steps of Memorial Church last night for the annual Take Back the Night rally, supporting the victims of rape and sexual assault.

Last night's rally, sponsored by the Coalition Against Sexual Violence and the Radcliffe Union of Students, was held to draw attention to a subject that they believe affects many more people than is generally acknowledged.

"[Tonight is] an opportunity for the Harvard community to come together and recognize the prevalence of the problem within our community," said Erica R. Michelstein `02, one of the organizers of the event and a Crimson editor.

The rally, which featured two vigils and a march, began with a poetry reading from the Boston-based cooperative Blackout about rape.

293 supporters then lit candles and gathered in a large circle in Tercentenary Theater to provide a safe environment for those willing to share their stories of sexual assault.

Many who spoke were brought to tears by what they had to say, expressing their gratitude for reaching a point in their lives where they had the strength to tell their stories without feeling ashamed.

"I have to be the weakest person in the world. And if I can tell my story, you can," said one student. "I would have nightmares and flashbacks, but in the past several months I have realized that there is nothing wrong with me. The only person to blame is the person who attacks you."

Some expressed the humiliation that has silenced them, and has prevented them from prosecuting their attackers. Others described their journeys from anguish and despair to strength and empowerment. Those who spoke ranged from middle-aged women to gay students, to students who had been molested as children, and friends of victims.

Although the tone of the event was somber and much anger was expressed towards rape assailants and the institutions that victims said they believed had failed to prosecute them, the general atmosphere of the evening was one of healing and education.

"I have a lot of friends who have been friends of sexual violence but weren't able to speak about it out of fear," said Celeste R. LeCompte `04. "The University needs to be more outspoken on the subject."

Once the circle dispersed, the group marched through the Yard and down Mass. Ave. and into the MAC Quad, chanting phrases like "Women Unite! Take Back the Night!" and "Out of the Dorms! Into the Streets! We Won't Be Raped! We Won't Be Beat!"

A similar vigil was held at the MAC Quad. For over an hour, rally participants shared their stories, provided support for victims, and discussed ways for preventing future attacks.

Last night's rally was the culmination of a weeklong series of events which included a women's self-defense class, several panel discussions and a screening of the film "Repetition Compulsion." Organizers also placed artistic displays in the Science Center and a highly visible clothesline project in the Yard telling victims' stories in their own words.

The final event of the week, the annual Take Back the River Run, will take place tomorrow at noon at the Weld Boat House.