Liberty observes national Sexual Assault Awareness Month with multiple events

The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and at Liberty University, it serves as an important reminder for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to remain actively aware of safety concerns and advocate for the well-being of survivors.

Liberty’s Office of Equal Rights and Title IX is hosting multiple events in support of the national initiative that brings communities and campuses together to raise awareness about sexual assault, emphasizing the importance of prevention and education.

“Data consistently shows that sexual assault remains a serious and widespread issue across the United States,” said Director of Equal Rights & Title IX and Senior Deputy Title IX Coordinator Emma Moulder. “Although Liberty University is a safe campus with a robust network of invaluable resources for students, faculty, and staff, we recognize the importance of continued awareness and education. By hosting events and observing this awareness month, we aim to honor victims and survivors, amplify their voices, and deepen our community’s understanding of the profound impact sexual assault has on individuals and society.”

On April 27 and 28, Liberty will illuminate the Freedom Tower in teal, the color designated for sexual assault awareness.

“This symbolic gesture serves as a beacon of support for survivors and a reminder of the community’s collective responsibility to create a culture of consent, respect, and accountability,” said Joanna Roush, executive director of the Liberty’s Office of Institutional Compliance.

To further honor survivors and promote awareness, the office will host a “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit in the Montview Student Union lobby April 28–30. Students have been invited to share stories anonymously that will be part of the exhibit.

“The exhibit features re-creations of clothing worn by survivors at the time of their assault and highlights the reality that sexual violence is never about what someone was wearing; it is about power and control,” Roush said. “The exhibit raises awareness of victim-blaming and how deeply it is rooted in society.”

Students have been able to learn more about Sexual Assault Awareness Month and speak to staff about support services and reporting options at an information table in the Montview Student Union. The next tabling event is April 23 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Resources are also available on the Equal Rights and Title IX Sexual Assault Awareness webpage.

“We recognize that misconceptions and fears often surround Title IX, and we are committed to breaking down those barriers by encouraging individuals to come forward and engage with our office,” said Executive Director of Equal Rights & Title IX and Title IX Coordinator Kasey Smith. “We want our students to know that our team is here to listen and that we are dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and neutral environment for every member of our community.”

“Through these educational events, we strive to cultivate a campus culture rooted in support, empowerment, and prevention,” she added. “Our goal is not only to shed light on the realities of sexual assault but also normalize informed, healthy, and respectful conversations about these often-avoided topics.”

To take action during SAAM and foster an informed campus community, Liberty encourages students, faculty, and staff to engage in conversations, attend events, and learn about available resources, such as the university’s Title IX office, counseling services, and prevention programs.

The Office of Equal Rights and Title IX is responsible for administering compliance with the university’s Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Policy, the Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy, and the Jeanne Clery Act, which includes the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The office is located in DeMoss Hall 1232, an area of main campus readily accessible to students and designed to provide a safe reporting environment where students and staff can feel comfortable engaging with trained staff. Members of the Liberty community are encouraged to support the office’s mission by reporting concerns and helping ensure potential misconduct is addressed appropriately.

For more information on how to submit a report of sexual misconduct, visit the Office of Equal Rights and Title IX webpage.