They've been choked, slapped, raped and molested by friends, loved ones and strangers.
They've been called "sluts," told to dress less provocatively and blamed for what happened to them.
But at Thursday night's 23rd annual Take Back the Night rally at Courthouse Square, they were more than just survivors of sexual and domestic violence - they were courageous, brave and encouraging symbols of hope for the crowd of more than 400 people gathered there to support them.
The rally directly addressed an issue many people feel uncomfortable talking about, said Justine Johnson, director of the Jane Kopas Women's Center at the University of Scranton.
"I think sexual assault is an issue we rarely talk about," she said. "And when we have an event with a crowd of more than 400 people, that says this is an issue."
The event was a partnership between the Women's Resource Center and the University of Scranton. Countless women stood in a line of survivors more than 20 people deep, telling their stories and urging their fellow abused to speak out and ask for help.
"We want to inspire you to take an active role in your community," said Anna Faramelli of the Women's Resource Center. "We need to hold each other accountable for the language we use and the actions we take."
Colorful T-shirts were hung on clotheslines around Courthouse Square with positive messages of perseverance and hope, hand painted by those who were victimized.
Emily Miko, a student at the University of Scranton, told the crowd how an older man at the restaurant she worked at as a teenager sexually assaulted her in their workplace. For years, she struggled to deal with her feelings and the repercussions of the assault. She found solace when she finally opened up.
"I discovered my vulnerability makes me beautiful," Ms. Miko said.
Contact the writer: ksullivan@ timesshamrock.com, @ksullivanTT on Twitter