Take Back The Night 2023: It’s More Than a Night, It’s for a Lifetime

As Take Back The Night 2023 approaches, it brings with it the importance of continuing to stand together against and to end sexual, relationship and other forms of violence—not just for a night but for a lifetime.

The University community is invited to attend Take Back The Night (TBTN), Wednesday, March 29, 7 p.m.

“Standing with survivors of interpersonal violence is crucial to working to reduce this violence at every level. Too often silence and stigma are weaponized against those who have suffered interpersonal violence.” Helping to raise awareness and lead 2023 events is Daniela Puente ’23, Take Back The Night Planning Committee Chair.

Attend Take Back The Night (TBTN), Wednesday, March 29, 7 p.m.

Annually, the University recognizes and participates in TBTN, a global event dedicated to showing support for survivors and victims of, while also raising awareness of and in the pursuit to end sexual, relationship and other forms of violence. Hosted at Hendricks Chapel, all University community members are invited to attend. Registration is not required. The night will include a rally and a march across campus, followed by a speak-out.

“I joined this committee as a survivor who understands firsthand the impact of support and solidarity to healing. I also joined as a public health professional who has learned about how the negative health outcomes of interpersonal violence affect us all,” Puente says. “I want the campus community to know that their support has profound impact on the individuals who have experienced interpersonal violence, as well as the campus community we are all a part of. Preventing interpersonal violence begins and continues with each of us committing to Taking Back The Night today and for the rest of our lifetime.”

University community members are invited to learn more below, encourage others to join and be involved by supporting not just for a night but for a lifetime.

• Take Back The Night Virtual Pledge Due Monday, March 27: As a visual representation of their support to end interpersonal violence, the campus community as a department, organization or individual, are invited to sign the pledge. Those who sign by the deadline, will be displayed at TBTN 2023 and on the Syracuse University Sexual and Relationship Violence TBTN webpage.
• #IWillTBTN Star Campaign, Due Friday, March 24: When completing the TBTN Pledge, campus community members may also select to order paper stars for their organization, department or team. Participants are asked to decorate the stars by sharing how they will work to create a safer community. Upon completion, stars will be showcased during Take Back The Night.
• Purchase a Take Back The Night T-shirt, Available March 20-29: For sale in the Campus Store and the Barnes Center at The Arch Pharmacy, TBTN T-shirts are $12. Profits will directly support Syracuse University students impacted by interpersonal violence and the Take Back The Night Foundation.
• Donate to the Sexual and Relationship Violence Survivor Support Gift Fund: All funds support Syracuse University students.

Learn more by visiting the Syracuse University Sexual and Relationship Violence TBTN webpage. For questions or to request accommodations, please email Shannon A. Hefti, Barnes Center at The Arch assistant director for health education and outreach, or call 315.443.8000.

Story by Student Experience communications intern Wanshi Zhang ’23, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications