Dear Loyola community,
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a nationally-recognized campaign to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it and support those affected by it.
Ultimately, the movement provides an important opportunity to honor survivors and highlight this widespread issue. According to the Rape and Incest National Network (RAINN), every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, but only 25 out of every 1,000 perpetrators face prison time.
This month, we are hosting several events dedicated to exploring and bringing light to aspects of this public health issue. The UCC is partnering with Residential Life and Student Life and Ministry to provide education in the residence halls and the Danna Student Center. In addition, Loyola offers several resources for those who’ve been affected by sexual assault. From specially-trained service coordinators to support groups, please visit the resources page to learn more about our programs. We also offer Sexual Assault Response Training, a new initiative to help Loyola students, faculty, and staff learn how to respond to and support survivors. This training is offered upon request to groups and organizations.
On April 26, Loyola University's student peer health advocates will be hosting a tabling event in honor of Denim Day, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence and supporting survivors. The advocates team will be providing students with valuable information and resources related to sexual assault, including facts about consent, how to report sexual assault, how to be a compassionate responder, and more. Through interactive activities, students will have the opportunity to reflect on the importance of consent and learn ways they can help prevent sexual assault on campus and beyond.
Our values of cura personalis – care for the whole person – and cura apostolica – care for the community – call us to create a culture of respectful and healthy relationships at Loyola. We must advocate for one another at all times. We have the power to speak out against the pervasiveness of sexual violence and create spaces where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We believe that by educating ourselves and others, we can create a safer and more respectful community. Join us in taking a stand against sexual assault and promoting consent culture at Loyola University.
Alicia A. Bourque, Ph.D. & Dawn Broussard, Ed.D.
