Greenwood, SC
Mostly cloudy skies with temperatures peaking near 80°F and gentle northeastern winds at 5 to 10 mph are the forecast for today. Tonight, expect some clouds and a cooler low of 61°F, with similar wind conditions. This weather update comes as Lander University leads a statewide initiative to tackle sexual violence on college campuses.
Lander University has spearheaded the creation of the South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses (SCIP), aiming to address sexual violence through research, advocacy, and education. This vision was brought to life by Lander President Richard Cosentino, who saw the potential for South Carolina’s higher education institutions to drive transformative change. With support from the General Assembly and authorization from Governor Henry McMaster in 2022, SCIP was established to serve all higher education institutions in the state.
Though chartered at Lander University, SCIP is housed at the University Center Greenville. At the helm is Dr. Matthew Hammett, who became the executive director in January this year. Hammett has focused on building the SCIP brand and establishing connections with colleges and universities throughout the state. He has also engaged in strategic discussions about prevention opportunities with administrators and other stakeholders.
“I don’t think necessarily that South Carolina has a high rate of sexual violence compared to other states, but it’s something that we’re all facing and addressing,” Hammett said. “I appreciate that South Carolina wanted to be a transformative leader in this field. No other state has designed a program quite like ours. I feel an urgency for the institute to make the impact for which it was intended, and there are myriad opportunities to maximize its efforts.”
SCIP not only provides comprehensive information and resources but also awards annual grants for sexual violence prevention programming, including training sessions, guest speakers, and peer education. This past spring, eight institutions received grants totaling $32,000. Hammett is also collaborating with rape crisis centers and nonprofits, garnering positive responses from these organizations.
“My approach when I reach out to individuals is this: ‘We want to be a resource. We want to help in any way that we can. We want to support your campus.’ That’s been met with positivity and the idea of us working collaboratively. I think as we continue to forge connections and build relationships, it’s only going to grow in ways that support the state of South Carolina,” Hammett said.
The main goal, according to Hammett, is to lower the incidence of sexual violence while strengthening research, advocacy, leadership, and collaboration. “What we want are healthier, safer campuses that are focused on the wellness of the students.”
With over 11 years of experience working with Title IX, Hammett has firsthand knowledge of the traumatic stories shared by students statewide and nationwide. “As a practitioner, I’ve heard the stories firsthand and seen how the trauma impacts students, their families, and friends. Sexual violence is a nationwide issue, and we must address it in meaningful ways,” he emphasized.
Recognizing the challenges and isolation that Title IX coordinators face, Hammett aims to support these professionals through education and leadership, making their work feel less daunting and more collaborative. Among SCIP’s long-term aspirations is hosting a multi-day, statewide conference starting in 2025, featuring national and international experts in sexual violence and Title IX.
Hammett has been encouraged by the eagerness of institutions and organizations to tackle these issues together. “I want to make sure that we address these issues in a way that serves the students of South Carolina, as well as those that choose our state for their higher education experience,” he remarked. “Not only do we have an obligation, but we have an opportunity to change the lives of our college students. There is too much at stake to get it wrong. I want more than just a compelling vision; I want the opportunity for systemic change.”
Looking ahead, SCIP plans to hire additional staff to expand its reach. Currently, the focus remains on extending sexual violence prevention grants, building relationships, and increasing SCIP’s presence across the state.
To learn more about the institute, visit scip.sc.gov.
