SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Wednesday night at 7 p.m., Syracuse University held its annual “Take Back the Night Event” over Zoom for people to speak their minds and raise awareness about sexual and domestic violence.
Myra Wong, a student on the planning committee for “Take Back the Night,” said this year’s turnout would be smaller because it was being held over Zoom. However, she said it was just as important as ever. In a year where people may have felt more isolated than usual due to COVID-19, Wong emphasized the importance of the event for providing people with an outlet and sense of community.
“It is hard to remember that there are real people out there who really want to help,” Wong said. “Creating a safer environment has to go through providing resources and offering stories and sharing stories and just offering this safe space to be yourself and to not be lonely anymore.”
Wong said “Take Back the Night” can still achieve success in a year where it will not take place in person. She thinks college students and young people in general are always active in the things they care passionately about, regardless of the circumstances.
“When it happens to you or someone you care about, it can feel very helpless, and I think ‘Take Back the Night’ is this sort of haven or something to feel good about and be proud of,” Wong said.
Typically, the “Take Back the Night” event would be an in-person gathering with speakers and activities. That could not be done this year because of COVID-19, but the “Take Back the Night Committee” came up with ways to raise awareness for sexual, relationship, and domestic violence on campus. The Clothesline Project is a display in the Schine Center that shows T-shirts with messages or quotes from people. The display will remain up until Monday.
“It is a lot of T-shirts and the stories, quotes, and messages on them are really emotional sometimes,” Wong said.
“Sometimes they are words of encouragement or just thoughts that people have. They can be really heavy. It’s a good visual display of the experiences that could be had.”
It may have looked different than years prior, but the events available remained important for people who need an outlet. Wednesday’s event consisted of learning the history of “Take Back the Night,” provided attendants with resources that are always available, a keynote speaker, and more.
