Coastal Carolina University will observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month by hosting several events designed to encourage discussion and promote awareness of sexual violence.

“The goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to raise public awareness and educate communities on how to prevent sexual violence in our community, on CCU’s campus, and around the world,” said Bevelyn Mitchell, assistant director for interpersonal violence prevention and services at CCU. “Our programs align with best practices to include strategies at the individual, relationship, community, and societal levels.”

The LiveWell Office will present “A Survivor’s Story,” featuring Arthenius Jackson Colvin, founder and executive director of One Touch Transformation in Florence, S.C., on Thursday, April 13, at 5:30 p.m., in Alford Ballroom, Atheneum Hall. The event is open to the public.

“A Survivor’s Story” spreads a message of hope, empowerment, and perseverance to other survivors of sexual violence. Colvin, who became a victim of long-term sexual abuse during her undergraduate studies, is a certified motivational speaker for the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). RAINN’s mission is to combat all forms of intimate partner violence (IPV). Her nonprofit organization, One Touch Transformation, focuses on sexual abuse prevention and awareness through discussing boundaries, self-confidence, and self-empowerment.

“‘A Survivor’s Story’ is important because IPV on college campuses is still an issue,” Mitchell said. “We work hard to support survivors and let them know that reporting IPV will connect them with resources they need to keep up with their academics and lives.”

LiveWell is hosting Denim Day on Wednesday, April 26. Representatives from the office will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lib Jackson Student Union Rotunda to share information on resources and services. During the event, they will collect messages of support for survivors and victims of sexual violence, which will be displayed in the rotunda through April 30. The campus community is encouraged to wear denim.

CCU’s Department of Public Safety will host a Lunch and Learn with Law Enforcement in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month on Wednesday, April 26, at 11:30 a.m. in Alford Ballroom. CCU faculty, staff, and students are invited to join officers from CCU, Horry County, Conway, and Myrtle Beach police departments for an educational forum and Q&A.

The LiveWell Office provides resources to the campus community all year long. LiveWell interpersonal violence prevention services provides individual confidential advocacy to CCU community members impacted by any form of sexual misconduct, regardless of when or where it has occurred.

For more information, contact Mitchell at bmitchell@coastal.edu.