On April 14, students, faculty and community members were invited to attend Take Back the Night. This event not only involved a march around campus, but hosted guest speakers and included interactive stalls and resources, both internal and external to campus.
Take Back the Night is an event that happens internationally with the mission of ending sexual and domestic violence of all forms. At SUNY Brockport, conversations about consent and advocating for those who need support are vital, due to the college dating culture.
The event was in collaboration with Health Promotion and Prevention Education (HPPE), The Center for Gender and Sexuality Diversity (CGSD) and Hazen Center for Counseling and Wellbeing. Off campus resources represented at the event were RESTORE, a sexual assault support service located in Monroe County, and the Willow Center for Domestic Violence.
The SUNY Brockport Inter-Greek Council (IGC) had a stuffed animal tabling activity, and those not tabling attended the event in support of survivors and their stories. Delta Phi Epsilon member Ella Hinman came not only to support her sisters, but as a student wanting to know more.
“When I walked in, I thought the event was very coordinated,” Hinman said. “It’s got so many good resources and a lot of positive energy. I think it’s really good to be made aware of what resources you can reach out to, and to know that you are not alone.”
The event started at 7 pm in the Union Ballroom, one of the campus central hubs for student activity and proactive conversations. Free self-care items, activities and resources were available for students at stalls and tables. These included coping boxes, affirmation cards and activities to better mental health. There were also glowsticks and signs for the march.
Among those who shared their perspective was SUNY Brockport student Grace Chiari.
“I’m a woman living on campus, and that can be scary,” Chiari said. “Take Back the Night has shown me how to be a more powerful woman, and that we can be our own people, we can be strong and independent as well.”
During the march, students and staff chanted phrases such as “Hey hey, ho ho, sexual assault has got to go,” using their voices to propel the community to feel united in the cause of prevention of sexual violence and assault. Cheers could be heard from residence halls and by pedestrians witnessing the march.
One of these loud and proud voices was SUNY Brockport student Rosetta Famellette, who majors in Creative Writing and Women and Gender Studies, and knows how important events like these are to members of her community.
“I came to this event in support of people in my life who have experienced sexual violence. I find it key to be educated and involved as an ally,” Famellette said. “It was wonderful to stand next to my friends and walk for a cause we all believe in. Seeing all the support and lively energy was lovely.”
Famellette praised the welcomeness and equality of Take Back the Night, as well as the support of the CGSD, whom she works with closely being a part of the Pride Association on campus.
“This event will be something I remember for a long time to come,” Famellette said.
To anyone who has experienced any form of sexual assault or violence, you are not alone. You are seen. Resources are available on campus through Hazen Health Center and off campus through RESTORE and Willow Center for Domestic Violence.
