CHRIS CODUTO/Arizona Daily Wildcat Women's studies and political science senior Kelly Kraus hands out a whistle to Tucsonan Ginger Doran during the Take Back the Night event last night.

The UA Network of Feminist Student Activists stopped traffic on campus last night as they led a march in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month.

More than 50 men and women met in front of the Old Main fountain to show support for women who have been abused in the past.

"We need to do better for the women of this country, we need to do better for the women of this world," said Brian Loudon, a community educator for the Brewster Center Domestic Violence Service.

Loudon specifically honored the men who were participating in the event because he said it showed they feel women are worthy of respect.

"The next time you see someone treat a woman with disrespect, stand up and say something," Loudon said to the men in the audience.

Participants wore purple ribbons as a memorial to the victims who have survived domestic and sexual violence.

"Sexual violence is not only a female issue," said Alisha Gibson, a history sophomore. "We are glad that so many men showed up to give their support."

The group of students chanted as they marched through the Student Union Memorial Center and then down Greek Row.

Residents of the fraternity and sorority houses piled onto balconies, peeked out of windows and gathered on front lawns to watch the demonstrators pass by.

Brigid Blazek, a biology freshman, said she was very excited about all the spectators who stopped to watch as the group marched past.

"I think it shows their appreciation for what we are doing," Blazek said. "I hope some of them join us on the march."

Bystander Amy Craft, an undeclared sophomore, said she was very impressed with the demonstration.

"Something like this doesn't happen every day. It's not usual to see people walking down the street like this," Craft said.

The march ended in front of the Old Main fountain where members of the audience were given a chance to share their stories in the intimate setting of the night.

"People don't need to be victims," said Lucy Cannon, a crisis advocate for the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault. "You're not alone and you don't have to go through it by yourself."