Despite cold, wet weather, about 50 people braved the chilly wind and rain Thursday night to participate in the 14th Annual Georgia Southern University Take Back the Night march and rally, held outside near the Russell Union Rotunda.Sponsored by several groups, including the GSU Sexual Assault Response Team, Sexual Assault Student Educators and Statesboro Regional Sexual Assault Center, the event was geared toward raising awareness and in support of sexual assault prevention, said Debbie Perez-Lopez of the GSU Sexual Assault Response Team, who co-chaired the rally along with Dr. Jodi Caldwell.Georgia Southern University Police Department statistics illustrate the need for sexual assault awareness events such as this one. In 2013, university police responded to seven reports of rape, GSU Police Chief Mike Russell said.That is a sharp increase from previous years. In 2009, there was one rape incident, none reported in 2010, three in 2011 and two in 2012, the statistics show.Perez-Lopez said the crowd, while smaller than normal — likely because of the chilly, wind-driven drizzle Thursday night — was enthusiastic.“We had a megaphone, were doing chants — we like to have a lot of energy at these rallies,” she said.After the initial rally, marchers walked through campus in an effort to reach others.“This allows victims to become empowered,” Perez-Lopez said.