Biola University participated in Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April by hosting a Sexual Violence Awareness week on campus April 23-27. The theme, "Give Voice," encouraged victimized students to voice their stories and find healing. Being that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will have been sexually assaulted by the age of 18, Biola felt a need to have a sexual violence awareness week to bring these realities to light.

Biola University President Barry H. Corey introduced the topic of sexual violence during Monday’s chapel to kickstart the week, which continued with an evening session where sexual violence was clearly defined. During the course of the week, lunch sessions were offered for those wanting to learn about red flags in abusive relationships. Campus Safety Chief John Ojeisekhoba held two sessions specifically for women, showing them how to avoid and defend against sexual violence.

At the end of the week, the final two sessions gave an opportunity for victims or friends of victims to experience recovery, restoration and healing. The week ended with a chapel focused on restoration and healing with a worship service in the gymnasium. Despite the tension and hesitation that is typically associated with the difficult subject of sexual violence, Biola covered each aspect of sexual violence, with much hope in giving voice to those who have been victimized by sexual assault.

 

Written by Ashleigh Fox, Media Relations Intern. For more information, contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Coordinator, at 562.777.4061 or at jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.