Students advocate for relationship-violence survivors

Faculty, students, community partners, and advocates gathered at the Student Center on April 9 to be part of Eastern's annual “Take Back the Night” event. Organized by the Women’s Center and SAIV-RT (Sexual Assault and Interpersonal Violence Response Team), the event was dedicated to raising awareness of sexual and interpersonal violence and standing in solidarity with survivors. 

“‘Take Back the Night’ centers on supporting victims and survivors of violence,” said Starsheemar Byrum, director of the Women’s Center and university victim advocate. “It’s a space for healing and a call to action.” She emphasized the importance of creating trauma-informed, safe, and inclusive spaces for survivors on campus.  

Father Larry LaPointe of the Campus Ministry offered spiritual reflection grounded in four guiding principles: prayer, education, advocacy, and accompaniment. “There’s a little light deep inside all of us,” LaPointe said. “No matter how dark it gets, that light can help us find the way — and help others do the same. 

“Prayer is an inner mindfulness, and it’s that part of us that helps us regenerate after traumatic experiences,” he explained. “Education is an important part of how we respond to violence, which leads to advocacy.” 

LaPointe emphasized the importance of giving a voice to those who can't speak up. “Finally, that leads us to accompany (victims of violence). Sometimes it takes the presence of another person to help us find our light inside.”  

Women’s Center Intern Adele Hong shared key statistics from a 2022 campus climate study, stating that 13.2% of students in the sample reported experiencing intimate partner violence, which is 92 out of the  790-student sample. Hong also explained that transgender, genderqueer, and nonbinary students, as well as women, reported higher rates of stalking and assault, but were not the only groups who faced it. 

“These numbers are a stark reminder that interpersonal violence impacts all genders and identities — it's a collective responsibility to create safer spaces and stand with survivors,” Hong said.  

The event’s speaker was author Sarah Gallardo, whose book “Hiding in Plain Sight” tells her story of surviving domestic abuse and recovery. She also founded Sarah Speaks Up in 2015, a nonprofit organization that supports victims and survivors of domestic violence.  

Gallardo shared her personal story of survival and inspired the audience to share their own stories, both as victims and advocates.  

Women's Center Intern Julia Magao explained she was inspired by her own experiences to organize this event. “I thought of the importance of knowing there are resources and places to speak up and be heard,” she said. “I love being here as an advocate.” 

She continued: "I want people to know they’re not alone and they can find a support system in (the Women’s Center) to speak up about these issues.”