On April 20, Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor hosted the “Take Back the Night” event at the Chapel.

“Take Back the Night” began in the 1970s, and encouraged people to speak out and speak up against sexual violence through music and real life testimony. The event aimed to raise awareness regarding sexual assault, as well as bring the community together by educating and inspiring military personnel and civilians alike to speak out against sexual violence.

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SW) Clarence Judd, attached to Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion, Bangor, shared: “After a sexual assault you lose your sense of emotion… The best way to get that back is through something everyone can relate to, music.”

Judd shared further: “I did this because it’s something that the entire base can relate to… I definitely think it’s a stepping stone for the Navy to try something different. Everyone is having fun, and it’s a great way to learn instead of the usual power point presentations.”

Local musicians who supported the cause were also on hand for the event, including Scarlet Parke. Parke shared: “It means a lot to me to perform at an event like this because almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by sexual assault.”

Victim Advocates took to the stage and read testimony from service members who went through sexual assault in between performances.

Master-at-Arms Seaman Keith Billingslea, of Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion, Bangor, on the other hand, shared: “It’s real emotional to hear these stories… This is definitely an eye opening experience to know that it could happen to anyone, even me.”