Lights illuminated the sidewalk in front of Finch Fieldhouse on Thursday evening.

The candles were placed to raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month as part of “Labyrinth of Light,” sponsored by Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates and the Central Michigan University Counseling Center.

“The labyrinth is an ancient symbol representing the path of life,” said Michelle Bigard, assistant director of the Counseling Center. “Often when you have a night to celebrate or acknowledge domestic violence, for example, you have a candlelight vigil. We wanted something more active than just standing with the candle.”

Bigard said the labyrinth also has symbolic interpretations.

“Walking the labyrinth is really being reflective of the path of life we all walk on,” she said. “We can be thankful for our own safety and remember those who are not safe in their own homes.”

SAPA member Marie Gregg said she helped set up the labyrinth and walked it herself.

“(Domestic violence) is such a prominent issue on our campus and all over the world,” the Williamston junior said. “Hopefully by doing what we’re doing we’ll be able to reach out to somebody and make a little bit more of a difference.”

For some, like Marne junior and SAPA member Christie Lobbezoo, educating the community about domestic violence is important.

“There are so many things that aren’t brought to the attention of people and we want to bring awareness and bring people together to help fight this issue,” she said.

Others walked the labyrinth to support friends.

Lansing senior Shannon R. Brown did just that.

“I think this is a good cause,” she said.

SAPA is an organization of college students trained to provide help for individuals who have been or have a friend who has been sexually assaulted, harassed, abused or stalked.

They can be reached at 774-CALL or sapa.cmich.edu.

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