Each year, Bowdoin’s students come out on Take Back the Night to support survivors of sexual and dating violence. People congregate at the Museum of Art steps before taking a silent walk through campus, lighting the way with handheld candles.

This year, Elena Gleed ’18 organized the event, with the help of Naomi Jabouin ’18, Sarah Guilbault ’18, and Shea Necheles ’18. All four offered remarks on the Museum steps, along with Octavio Castro ’19, before leading the walk.

Gleed said Take Back the Night is an opportunity for the community “to listen, self-reflect, and learn from student voices. The event creates a space for Bowdoin to say, this is not okay.” She added that the event is especially timely because of the spotlight the national media is shining on the prevalence of sexual violence and harrassment.

The event was sponsored by the Office of Gender Violence Prevention and Education. The office’s associate director, Lisa Peterson, said Take Back the Night is designed to be inclusive. “It is not only meant for people impacted by sexual violence or for activists. Everyone should feel welcome there,” she said. “[Dating and sexual violence] is something that affects the entire community and we all have a role in preventing it.”