UD Supports Sexual Violence Survivors with ‘Take Back The Night’ Vigil

Photo by Carson Caprella

Abigail Finke | Contributing Writer

The University of Dayton community gathered at Humanities Plaza on April 13 in support of college campuses free of sexual violence. UD’s Peers Advocating for Violence Education (PAVE) organized the event in partnership with students from the Brook Center.

“Take Back The Night” originated in the 1970s, following curfews placed on women attending universities across the country. Protests today represent survivors’ reclaiming their space and preventing sexual violence at the source. UD has been a part of the nationwide event for 13 years, usually taking place in April, commemorating Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Approximately 1 in 4 women will experience sexual violence during their time on a college campus. This number becomes 1 in 5 for gender non-conforming individuals and 1 in 15 for men. PAVE aims to educate students on consent practices to eventually rid violence from UD.

PAVE members handing out t-shirts, via Carson Caprella

Katie Babal, class of 2026, got involved with PAVE her junior year and it “changed the trajectory of [her] life.” She grew motivated by violence prevention and making a difference in her community. Babal and other members give presentations on consent culture to incoming freshmen.

Participants received flowers to give to survivors of sexual assault in attendance. They served as a reminder to “keep blooming and keep growing,” said Sarah Sepulveda, class of 2027.

Sarah Sepulveda’s art exhibit, via Carson Caprella

Inspired by Mexican artist Elina Chauvet, Sepulveda collected 100 pairs of shoes from local thrift stores and painted 26 pairs red to represent the percentage of women who may endure sexual violence at college. Such a project took months of work, but she has “loved every single second of it.”

Sepulveda worked alongside PAVE to create the exhibit, fulfilling her requirements for the Human Sexuality Certificate. Leaders in the organization continue to inspire her commitment to raising awareness of the cause.

Attendees creating posters for the vigil, via Carson Caprella

Paige Lupie, class of 2026, works at the Brook Center and came to support survivors and other peer educators. “Making sure people feel safe walking home at night” is important to Lupie, motivating her to help create a safe campus for all students.

University students can join the cause by standing up for peers and reporting cases of sexual violence on campus. For more information, contact brookcenter@udayton.edu.