Take Back the Night (TBTN)—the annual march, rally and speak-out event—is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m. in Hendricks Chapel. The Office of Health Promotion (OHP) and the 2019 TBTN planning committee encourage all campus and community members to attend and unite towards ending sexual and relationship violence.
The night begins with a rally featuring several speakers. This year’s keynote speaker is Rebecca Ortiz, assistant professor of advertising in the Newhouse School. Ortiz conducts research in health communication, social marketing and entertainment media effects. She has managed and consulted on a number of health communication campaigns and projects focused primarily on sexual health issues.
This year’s featured student speaker is Amy Buhrmaster, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences and member of student organization It’s On Us SU.
While all are welcome to attend the rally and march, the speak-out that follows is a smaller, private gathering where individuals who have been impacted by violence have the opportunity to talk in a safe space. Due to the sensitive nature of the speak-out, this portion is closed to the media.
“While the event only occurs once a year, we hope that others gain knowledge, support and empowerment regarding sexual assault and interpersonal violence,” says Vanessa D. Ramlal, 2019 TBTN planning committee co-chair and a senior in the Falk College. “Additionally, we hope they are able to carry that awareness and advocacy with them, thus creating an environment in which interpersonal violence is not tolerated to make the Syracuse University community a safer place.”
All participants are encouraged to share the ways they will help end interpersonal violence by using #IWillTBTN on social media. OHP and the 2019 TBTN planning committee, along with the campus community, hope the message of TBTN will continue on after Wednesday night and especially throughout the month of April—Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
For more information, questions or volunteering opportunities, visit the Office of Health Promotion website or email healthpromotion@syr.edu.
