UD Supports Sexual Violence Survivors with 'Take Back The Night' Vigil

Univ. of Dayton's student newspaper Flyer News reports on the annual event organized by campus group PAVE.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:23pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting a blurred scene of college campus life, with hints of people, buildings, and greenery visible through the atmospheric bokeh, conceptually representing the emotional tone and themes of the 'Take Back The Night' event.The annual 'Take Back The Night' vigil at the University of Dayton serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against sexual violence on college campuses.Today in Dayton

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.

Why it matters

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.

The details

Participants received flowers to give to survivors of sexual assault in attendance. They served as a reminder to 'keep blooming and keep growing.' Inspired by Mexican artist Elina Chauvet, student Sarah 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.

  • The event took place on April 13, 2026.
  • UD has been part of the nationwide 'Take Back The Night' event for 13 years, usually taking place in April, commemorating Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The players

Peers Advocating for Violence Education (PAVE)

A campus group at the University of Dayton that organized the 'Take Back The Night' vigil in partnership with the Brook Center.

Katie Babal

A University of Dayton student who got involved with PAVE her junior year, and was motivated by violence prevention and making a difference in her community.

Sarah Sepulveda

A University of Dayton student who 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, as part of the event.

Paige Lupie

A University of Dayton student who works at the Brook Center and came to support survivors and other peer educators, motivated by ensuring people feel safe walking home at night.

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What they’re saying

“Keep blooming and keep growing”

— Sarah Sepulveda, Class of 2027

“Making sure people feel safe walking home at night is important to me, motivating me to help create a safe campus for all students.”

— Paige Lupie, Class of 2026

What’s next

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.

The takeaway

This event highlights the ongoing efforts by student groups like PAVE to raise awareness, support survivors, and work towards creating a campus free from sexual violence at the University of Dayton and beyond.