April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Every semester at SUNY Cortland, Students Advocating for Empowerment & Resilience (S.A.F.E.R) host a Take Back the Night event, which raises awareness about sexual assault, domestic violence, and healthy relationships through a community march and speeches, and to show that everyone deserves to feel safe, especially at night.
This semester’s Take Back the Night event will be held on:
Wednesday, April 22 2026 at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Which begins in front of the Corey union steps. (16 Neubig Road)
This event starts off by the executive board members giving speeches, thanking everyone who came for their support, describing their position and elaborates on their personal relationship to the club. However, the SAFER organization represents far much more then just a club, the community is built off of a shared commitment to ending sexual violence.
After the executive board concludes their speeches, survivors and members of the club then have the opportunity to share their personal stories with the audience. Which is just the start of such a powerful and emotional part of this movement. As the individuals speak about their experiences, it empowers their courage and honesty while reclaiming their voices, and breaking the stigma surrounding sexual assault. Their words create such a solemn environment that fosters understanding and empathy. It truly does just bring people together building a space to get a deeper sense of support for one another.
After the speeches come to an end, President Bitterbaum also shares some words and directs supporters to the next steps of the event. There are posters that were pre-made and offered to supporters to hold for the march, while also providing a sheet of the chants repeated during the march.
Next the march begins, executive members handle the megaphones and lead the audience throughout the walk around campus and the town. A route beginning at Corey union steps, directing up the hill (Prospect Terrance), that later turns on to Graham Avenue, and down to main street, turning on to Tompkins and returning back to the Corey union steps, chanting along the way.
The march concludes when participants come together one final time to sign their names on an empowering poster that symbolizes unity and support. This final act really ties the event together and serves as a reminder of the shared purpose behind the event and the strength found in the community.
Take Back the Night not only raises awareness about sexual assault but also creates a space for healing and empowerment, among all those who participate.
Cortland also has a variety of resources, both on campus and in the community, meant to help and support any victim of sexual assault.
If you or anyone you know is ever in need for help, don’t think twice about reaching out.
On Campus:
Title IX Office
Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Miller Building, Suite 309
Phone: 607-753-2263
Email: titleix@cortland.edu
Campus Police
For all emergencies (Police/Fire/Medical) Dial 911
For non-emergencies, please dial 607-753-2111
Community Resources:
Cortland City Police
25 Court Street, Cortland, NY 13045
Emergency Phone: 911
Non-Emergency Phone: 607-756-2811
YWCA Aid to Victims of Violence (AVV) (24 hour and Confidential Resource)
14 Clayton Ave, Cortland, NY, 13045
607-753-3639
National Sexual Assault Hotline (24 hour and Confidential Resource)
RAINN – Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
NYS Police Hotline to report sexual assault on a NY college campus (24 hour)
844-845-7269