Community members will illuminate the campus tonight for the Take Back the Night march to promote safety.

The Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service has sponsored this event for the past 18 years, said Bonnie Buckley, executive director for SACIS.

The annual march and vigil encourages community members to take a stand against sexual and physical violence against both men and women.

Candles will be given to participants to light the way as they march around the campus.

“The purpose is to let the community speak out about the need to have safety in our community,” Buckley said. “We should all be safe, whether we’re in our home, out on the streets or wherever you are.”

Buckley said all people are potential victims for assault and every community member has a stake in their protection.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, college campuses host larger concentrations of women who are at a greater risk of sexual assault than women in the general population.

Buckley said women should take precautions to avoid being assaulted.

Over the years, Buckley has repeatedly seen instances where a group of friends leaves a member behind and later finds out that person has been sexually assaulted.

SACIS teaches women to not walk alone and not leave friends behind at bars or parties.

“The reality is, we have to do this,” Buckley said. “It would be nice to have a community that we didn’t have to worry about safety issues.”

Attendance for Take Back the Night has increased over the years, uniting various student groups, faculty and community members, Buckley said.

Buckley said last year’s march brought several hundred students together.

The program will begin at the Campus Pond with music at 6:30 p.m., brief remarks at 7:00 p.m., and the march at 7:15 p.m.

The candle-lit march will begin and end at the Campus Pond.