As I write this I'm looking forward to the Take Back the Night march and rally and feeling overwhelmed in so many ways.

My overwhelming feeling is one of amazement and thankfulness for the response that this event has received this year.

At this point, I do not know if we will have great numbers show up at the Auburn City Hall, but I do know that many people have gone out of their way to show support and have already taken a stand against violence by their actions.

For those of you who aren't aware of what Take Back the Night is, I'll fill you in.

Each year, this community and many other communities around the country dedicate an evening to come together and say that they will not condone violence.

Caring people say that they want violence in the home to end and sexual abuse and assault to disappear.

Those who attend, as well as the many people who help behind the scenes, are honoring those who have been victims and who are survivors of these crimes against the person.

As I contact officials who work for us in the community, I remember that for many of those I talk to, the stand against violence is not just a one evening commitment. After calling District Attorney Jon Budelmann's office, I was reassured that he had the event on his calendar and planned to attend to address the gathering.

It comes to me, as I hear this, that in the 10 years that I have known Jon, he has always been actively committed to helping victims of crime.

Sheriff David Gould returned my call to say that he would attend and address the group also.

I wonder if the community realizes the concern and dedication that Gould has shown for years for all victims of crime and especially for children who have been victims of sexual abuse or assault.

Officer Tom Weed from the Auburn Police Department called to say that he would also be there to lead.

I appreciate his representation of the police department at the march, and I am reminded how Auburn Police Chief Gary Giannotta and Captain Tom Murphy work throughout the year for victims, in their jobs and through support of programs like SAVAR.

The tragedy of sexual abuse and assault has been with us for a long time.

Having worked with these issues for more than 20 years, I have often been frustrated by the lack of awareness and denial of the problem in the communities. Yet Cayuga County is different.

I have mentioned those who through their professions have taken action against violence. What has been very evident to me this year as I prepare for Take Back the Night are the number of individuals who have gone out of their way to show their support.

For example, the IMPACT club at Cayuga Community College has worked long and hard to get the word out about the event.

Its enthusiasm has spread to other groups at the college such as the Criminal Justice Club, Judo Club and Early Childhood Education Club whose members have been helpful in spreading the word.

It does my heart good to talk to Kathy Shutter who made sure that we had a van available through SCAT van services to provide transportation for those who might otherwise had found it difficult to participate.

Once again, Brenda Brown volunteered her talent as an interpreter for the deaf and added the beauty of sign language to the program. Nancy Murray also planned to sing.

The gathering is always enhanced by the talent of the Wells College singing groups.

Cathy Brochu, author of a trilogy of books on being a victim, survivor and moving beyond being a survivor volunteered to sell and sign her books before and after the event.

Cathy has generously offered to donate a portion of the profits of the books sold to support the Child Advocacy Center, which will soon become a reality in Cayuga County.

And of course I appreciate and am gratified by the work of SAVAR volunteers who came forward to give of their time and energy to this special event and to work for victims and survivors throughout the year.

I am greatly impressed and humbled by the survivors of sexual assault and abuse who have written statements and poetry to be shared with those gathered.

This is a true gift of the self and I know that those who attend treasure the privilege of being able to listen to the inspirational messages shared.

It takes a good deal of planning and work to organize any community event.

What makes Take Back the Night worthwhile for me is the commitment and dedication of all who are involved.

The message that “together we can take a stand against violence” is one that many dedicated people have responded to and one that will stay with us as we work to make our community safer and free of violence.

Rosa Grube is an education coordinator for SAVAR of Cayuga Counseling Services. Her column was submitted prior to the recent Take Back the Night rally.