Hundreds of Niagara University students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered in the university’s Gallagher Center on April 3 to support“Take Back the Night,” an annual event that aims to end sexual, relationship, and domestic violence in all forms.
This year’s theme “Stand Strong, Speak Loud,” speaks to the many important messages for survivors of sexual harm and those who support them, said Emily Pike, director of the university’s Office of Violence Prevention & Education.
“It represents the courage and strength it takes to heal from trauma and violence,” she said. “It also emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence and collectively empowering our community to promote awareness and reduce stigma surrounding sexual harm.”
A brief program featured welcoming remarks by the Rev. James Maher, C.M., Niagara University president and Dr. Tim Ireland, provost and vice president of academic affairs.
“Tonight we stand together to break the silence, to raise awareness, and to reaffirm our commitment to the campus and a world free from violence,” said Father Maher. “As a Vincentian university, we’re called to uphold the dignity of every person and every community. Our mission compels us to advocate for justice, to protect those who are vulnerable, and to create an environment for all members of our community to feel safe, valued, and empowered. As Saint Vincent taught us, our service and our dignity are rooted in compassion and action, and tonight we embrace both.”
During the program, Dr. Timothy Osberg, professor of psychology, received the Excellence in Leadership and Advocacy Award, and Felicia Grufman Jönsson, a senior international studies and political science major, received the Nicholas Albano Student Advocacy Award.
The OVPE’s newest initiative, the Green Flag campaign, organized by the university’s Violence Prevention Student Advisory Team, was also unveiled during the program. The campaign highlights the behaviors, attitudes, and practices that contribute to meaningful, supportive, and joyful connections, whether in friendships, romantic partnerships, roommate relationships, or study groups.
“While we often hear about relationship red flags to avoid, our green flag campaign shifts the focus to the positive qualities that make relationships thrive,” explained Pike. “Featuring your very own peers, this campaign celebrates the small and significant ways that we show up for each other. So join us this month in recognizing and celebrating the green flags in your own relationships, and discover new ways to nurture those connections that matter most to you. Together we can build a campus culture that values and prioritizes healthy relationship dynamics.”
Those in attendance also heard about the services offered by the YWCA of the Niagara Frontier from Rachel Sandle-Sacco, rape crisis program supervisor, and the survivor story of a high school student. A performance of the Whitney Houston song “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” by the TBTN choir, led by Dr. Bridget Moriarty, associate professor of theater, a student march across campus, and a restorative reflection at the university’s Castellani Art Museum rounded out the evening’s activities.
Resource tables highlighting the programs and services available through community partners and other organizations, including Child Advocacy Center of Niagara, Horizon Health Services, New York State Police-Campus Sexual Assault Unit, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office-Victim Assistance Unit, Pinnacle Community Services, Seven Dancers Coalition, the YWCA, Mount St Mary’s Hospital, and the Niagara County Department of Health, were also available throughout the event.
Take Back the Night, now in its eighth year, is coordinated by the OVPE, Dr. Jennifer E. Beebe, professor of clinical mental health counseling, and Dr. Dana L. Radatz, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice.
“TBTN speaks to the importance of individuals coming together to collectively advocate for a shared vision of change,” said Dr. Radatz. “This year’s theme—Stand Strong. Speak Loud. —encourages each of us to use our own voices to raise awareness to end sexual violence. The theme also reminds us that we can achieve even greater advocacy when we unite, that we can stand even stronger and speak even louder when we join together.”
“We come together to hold a space of honor and respect for survivors, their families, and allies, and we share our vision of hope, unity, and a call to action with our community,” added Dr. Beebe.
The Office for Violence Prevention & Education is a one-stop-shop for campuswide violence prevention programming such as bystander intervention, advocacy, victim services, trainings, and awareness events surrounding dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVDVSAS).
