Niagara College proudly participated in this year’s Take Back the Night March, a globally-recognized cause and local event hosted by the Niagara Sexual Assault Centre.
The annual gathering, held on September 21 in downtown St. Catharines, is a tribute to survivors and unites the community in a powerful stance against sexual and gender-based violence. The event’s theme, “Your Voice, Your Night,” served as an invitation for individuals to reflect not only on what Take Back the Night means to them personally but also its broader implications for the community.
Various local agencies and community partners set up booths, providing valuable information about services and resources available in Niagara, and speakers from Niagara College and Brock University addressed the crowd before the march commenced.
Among the speakers was Elysia Dardarian, Niagara College’s Sexual Violence Prevention & Response Coordinator, who proudly represented the College at the event. Dardarian shared information about support services available at NC and emphasized the vital role our Consent is Key campaign plays in raising awareness around sexual and gender-based violence.
NC’s Consent is Key campaign focuses on the importance of consent – the voluntary and explicit agreement to engage in sexual activity – as key in preventing sexual assault and sexual violence. The campaign represents NC’s commitment to ensuring that staff and students have a safe and positive experience at the College free from discrimination and harassment, where a diverse and respectful atmosphere fosters healthy attitudes toward sexuality.
Consent is Key Campaign video
“I felt honoured to speak at the Take Back the Night March,” said Dardarian. “Given that 71% of students either witness or experience unwanted sexualized behaviours in Canadian post-secondary settings, it is crucial to shed light on these issues within our community and the supports available for students.”
Dardarian helps facilitate a safe and inclusive environment at NC through a trauma-informed and survivor-centered approach for those affected by sexual and gender-based violence. She also spearheads sexual violence awareness programming at the College, equipping both students and staff with the necessary resources to offer effective support to those affected.
In addition to highlighting NC’s commitment to the cause, Dardarian passionately encouraged the wider community to play their part in fostering awareness and reducing the stigma around sexual and gender-based violence.
“By coming together that evening, we were saying loud and clear to all survivors that we hear them, we believe them, and that they are not alone in this fight,” said Dardarian.
