Each year, Syracuse University recognizes and participates in Take Back The Night (TBTN), a global event dedicated to raising awareness about sexual, relationship and domestic violence, and other forms of interpersonal violence. This year, the tradition will be hosted virtually starting Wednesday, April 15, through Thursday, April 30. Pre-registration is preferred but campus community members are welcome to drop-in.
Recognized in over 30 countries, TBTN and the TBTN Pledge promote the importance of raising awareness and supporting those impacted by sexual and relationship violence.
“The Take Back The Night pledge asks individuals to be prosocial bystanders and promise not to perpetrate any form of interpersonal violence,” says Lauren Crimmins ’20, co-chair of the 2020 Take Back the Night Planning Committee. “Additionally, these efforts start necessary conversations surrounding violence, how our current behaviors may perpetuate it and how together we can increase community safety.”
TBTN Virtual Speakers
Through a variety of videos and hosted forums, the virtual TBTN experience will follow the tradition of hosting speakers and encouraging campus support.
As a University Scholar studying international relations and global security studies and a member of the 2020 TBTN planning committee, Lara Hicks ’20 is this year’s student speaker. A survivor herself, Hicks has demonstrated commitment to raising awareness and prevention throughout her academic career. Highlights include participating in the Student Association Health and Wellness subcommittee, serving as vice president to Campus Cursive, composing and filming an original song for Human Trafficking Awareness Month, representing survivor interests regarding Title IX and campus safety within a Student Advisory Council and volunteering to support families experiencing domestic violence.
The 2020 keynote speaker is Deka Dancil ’14, who serves as the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience manager of bias response, in addition to serving as co-founder of RiseUp for Social Action, where she helps train organizations and groups in appropriate responses to incidents of bias or discrimination. Extending advocacy past campus, Dancil serves in such leadership roles as the president of Urban Jobs Task Force.
Be Involved
For more information about TBTN or to request accommodations, please contact Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion at healthpromotion@syr.edu or call 315.443. 8000.
Resources
The Barnes Center at The Arch Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for students seeking support, advocacy and discussion of reporting options for sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and harassment by calling 315.443.8000. This is a free and confidential service.
Story by Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience communications intern Michelle Velez ’20
