The Voices of
Survivors
How a student-run organization is creating an outlet to talk about sexual assault at SU By Mikayla Melo
A
small group of students and faculty join arms to light candles in honor of sexual assault survivors, with the Hall of Languages glowing red behind them. With an overwhelming sense of safety and empowerment, survivors speak about their own experiences of sexual assault in college, as attendees applaud them for their vulnerability and bravery. In September, Be with Survivors held a vigil with an audience of approximately 20 to raise awareness of the Red-Zone, a period of time on college campuses when sexual assaults spike. Survivors spoke openly, and discussed measures to prevent campus assaults. Current president Jessica Rosen reminisced about her own experience speaking at the organization’s very first vigil. “This is a very full circle moment,” Rosen said,“now I’m leading it.” Formerly named Stand With Survivors, Be With Survivors SU was founded in the fall of 2021 by SU student Carla Guariglia following a sexual assault on campus. A protest later in the semester inspired several students to join, including Rosen. “I saw there was a protest going on from
7 | The Good Life Fall 2023
friends, and I immediately am like, ‘I have to jump in, I have to do this,’” Rosen said. Working to heal from her own experience with sexual assault, Rosen searched for a safe and supportive community on campus and a way to help others. She knew that action was needed, and wanted to be a part of the change on campus. Witnessing the determination of the individuals at the protest motivated Rosen to get involved. Rosen discussed the initial mindset of Be With Survivors, explaining that it began with a very anti-Greek life message, leading to backlash from administration and even other students. In an attempt to bridge the gap, Be With Survivors joined the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence. According to their website, the Task Force helps to find common ground and bolster trust between administration and students as they work together to prevent sexual violence on campus. The organization is currently working to involve SUNY-ESF and other upstate universities in their mission. Rosen emphasized the importance of making sure that survivors outside of SU have knowledge and access to resources, support, and a