The candlelit labyrinth vigil today at Finch Fieldhouse will be more than a chance for students to walk around in circles in darkness.

“It’s a chance to reflect on the strength of the survivors,” said Michelle Bigard, who works at the Counseling Center.

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Counseling Center and Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates will hold a candlelit labyrinth vigil tonight in honor of victims of sexual assault.

The walk will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Finch Fieldhouse. There will be two labyrinths, one outside and one inside. The labyrinths will wind around in a circle with a center area for partcipants’ contemplation.

“I hope people go to give support. (Victims of sexual assault) are in our families and our classes and all around us,” said Steve Thompson, SAPA director.

The candlelit labyrinth was chosen because candlelight tends to trigger less trauma for the victims, said Susanne Stefanski, a sexual assault counselor in Foust Hall and one of the event’s organizers.

“It’s more empowering,” Stefanski said. “Every candle that we light is in honor of those who have experienced sexual assault and their courage.”

Stefanski said many sexual assault victims, both female and male, don’t report their assaults.

“Most people do not report because society can be so unsupportive to survivors,” Stefanski said.

The outdoor labyrinth will be drawn in chalk and will feature a “classical” design while the one indoors will feature a Petite Chartres design.

Earlier in Domestic Awareness Month, there were Speak Up, Speak Out events as well as an art gallery show.

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