Syracuse Sun

April is observed as Sexual Assault Awareness Month across the nation. During this month, the university will host events to promote awareness and education surrounding sexual and relationship violence, supporting those affected.

Leslie Skeffington, assistant director for sexual and relationship violence prevention at the Barnes Center at The Arch, stated, “Commemorating Sexual Assault Awareness Month on college campuses is essential to raising awareness, supporting survivors and fostering a culture of prevention.” Events are aimed at fostering community and solidarity among survivors and allies.

Participants are encouraged to join the Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities to show support for survivors at various stages of their healing processes. Details and events can be accessed on the Sexual Assault Awareness Month website.

Key activities include signing the Take Back The Night Pledge throughout April, Chalk the Walk on April 9, Take Back The Night on April 10, Empowerment Through Pleasure on April 14, Expressions in Clay on April 15, and Feminist Self-Defense on April 17.

Take Back The Night, scheduled for April 10 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Panasci Lounge in the Schine Student Center, is an annual event. This global initiative focuses on raising voices against sexual and interpersonal violence. Virginia Evans, staff therapist and coordinator for sexual and relationship violence at the Barnes Center at The Arch, remarked, “This year’s Take Back The Night continues the work of reimagining and recentering students in this long-standing annual event.”

Evans highlighted highlights such as student performances, a fashion show, community art projects, a Survivor Speak Out, and a collective healing activity for closure. She added, “We look forward to honoring survivorship with our entire campus community on April 10, during Take Back The Night!”

For more information or accommodations, contact the Barnes Center at The Arch via phone at 315.443.8000 or email BarnesCenter@syr.edu.