NEWS

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Newberry College is offering a series of events in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, calling attention to the prevalence and prevention of sexual assault and human trafficking. The programming is presented by the Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences in collaboration with campus organizations and area nonprofits and businesses.

“College provides a unique time for education, engagement and transformation,” said Dr. Carrie Caudill, associate professor of psychology and event organizer. “When college students learn about the prevalent nature of sexual violence, their insight provokes action. Newberry College is committed to educating and fundraising for the prevention and treatment of sexual assault.”

Sexual assault makes up the greatest portion of on-campus crimes in the U.S., at 43%. That equates to approximately eight forcible sex offenses per 10,000 students, according to 2022 data compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics.

The college events scheduled during Sexual Assault Awareness Month will provide support and advocacy for students, spread awareness of available resources, and spark conversations to educate and facilitate change.

Schedule of Events:

April 4 | Shedding Light on Human Trafficking & Exploitation Conference

The conference will cover every aspect of human trafficking and provide resources on how to recognize and deal with exploitation in a variety of circumstances, including law, business, social services, nonprofits and more. The event is open to the public and geared toward businesses, professionals and community leaders engaged in helping survivors and bringing offenders to justice. 

The conference has been approved for six Continuing Legal Education credits, South Carolina Law Enforcement Continuing Education credits, and Victim Service Provider credits for attendees working in those areas. The conference is sponsored by the Division of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and the Muller Center for Multicultural and Civic Engagement. Registration closes on Tuesday, April 1; to register, visit newberry.edu/sheddinglight.

April 16 at 5 p.m. | Walk Like a Wolf – Take Back the Night

Participants will walk a mile in support of survivors of sexual assault, and proceeds raised from this event will benefit the nonprofit organization, Pathways to Healing. The walk will begin at the Wolf Statue at the main campus entrance on College Street and end on the Campus Quad. Dr. Matthew Hammet, executive director of the South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses, will deliver the keynote. To register, visit

https://bit.ly/wolfwalk25. This event is sponsored by the Division of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, the Newberry College Title IX Office, and Psi Chi.

April 30 | Denim Day

Denim Day encourages everyone to wear jeans to support survivors of sexual assault and spread awareness about all forms of sexual violence.

For more information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month or resources on the Newberry College campus, please reach out to Dr. Caudill at Carrie.Caudill@newberry.edu.