Cal Watson (COL ’07), says that a friend of his was never the same after being raped.

“I speak to you as a friend of a rape victim, someone whose story overwhelmed me, and one I initially could not believe or relate to,” Watson said. “I have tried to put myself to being an ally and listen to the stories every year; it’s important for everyone to hear.”

Watson spoke at Open Mic Night in Uncommon Grounds, the kick-off event in Take Back the Night’s annual week of events promoting on-campus awareness about gender-violated violence.

Aartie Manansingh (SFS ’07), TBTN co-chair, said that the club holds its annual series of events because the organization believes occurrences of sexual assault are too frequent at Georgetown and on college campuses throughout the nation.

Nationally, “over one in three women and one in 33 men are victims of sexual assault,” Manansingh said last night during the Open Mic Night. Jen Schweer, the university’s sexual assault and health issues coordinator, said that the actual numbers may be higher because many instances of sexual assault go unreported.

There were five reported sexual assaults on campus last year and 20 in 2004, according to DPS statistics.

Although the week got off to a shaky start, with a lack of funds forcing leaders to cancel a barbecue on Sunday, last night’s forum attracted around 40 students and alumni. Victims and friends of rape or sexual harassment victims took turns reading poems, singing songs and sharing stories with attendees.

“We would rather put our effort and money into making each activity during the week better than spreading ourselves and our resources too thin,” Manansingh said.

Manansingh said that one of the club’s goals for the week is to attract more men to the events than it has in past years. She said that the club has primarily attracted women in the past.

“This year, however, we feel that by attracting a broader base of people, we can grow to become a more influential club on campus,” Manansingh said.

Joel Ziebell (COL ’10), a member of the organization, said that more men should become involved in TBTN.

“I grew up around women and understand the problems they face,” he said. “I think boys should get involved in the club to raise awareness about these issues.”

TBTN, in conjunction with the Lecture Fund will sponsor a speech this evening by Shirin Tahir-Kheli, the Secretary of State’s adviser on women’s empowerment. Amanda Sandberg (COL ’08), co-chair of TBTN along with Manansingh, said that Tahir-Kheli will speak about the empowerment of women, with a focus on Muslim women.

Sara Wolf, an employee at the self-defense training institute D.C.-Impact, will teach a course on self-defense in Bulldog Alley tomorrow at 5 p.m. Thursday evening TBTN is showing “Rape is .”, a documentary about rape victims, and holding a discussion afterwards in McShain Lounge.

TBTN will also sponsor a rally in Red Square and a march through Georgetown Friday evening to honor rape victims and to promote gender-related violence awareness in the community.