Lander University Spearheads Statewide Initiative to Combat Sexual Violence on College Campuses

Greenwood, SC

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Lander University Leads Statewide Initiative to Combat Sexual Violence on College Campuses

Lander University is spearheading a significant statewide initiative aimed at preventing sexual violence on college campuses. This initiative is the South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses (SCIP). The idea for SCIP came from Lander President Richard Cosentino, who understood the potential for South Carolina colleges and universities to drive impactful change on this critical national issue through research, advocacy, and education.

President Cosentino worked closely with the General Assembly to secure funding for the institute, leading to its creation in 2022, authorized by Governor Henry McMaster. Although chartered at Lander, the institute is housed at the university’s campus at University Center Greenville. Dr. Matthew Hammett, who took the role of executive director in January of this year, heads SCIP. His initial efforts have focused on building the SCIP brand, forming alliances with colleges and universities across the state, and discussing prevention strategies with various administrators.

“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 something that we’re all addressing,” Dr. Hammett mentioned. “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 offers information and resources but also awards annual grants meant to support sexual violence prevention programs, including training, speakers, and peer education. This past spring, eight different institutions received grants totaling $32,000. Dr. Hammett has also been engaging with local rape crisis centers and other nonprofit organizations, receiving enthusiastic responses.

“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,’” Hammett explained. “That’s been met with positivity, and it has been met with this idea of us being able to work together, 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.”

The primary goal, according to Hammett, is to decrease the occurrence of sexual violence while enhancing research, advocacy, leadership, and collaboration. “What we want are healthier, safer campuses that are focused on the wellness of the students.”

Having worked directly with Title IX for 11 years, Hammett has firsthand experience with the traumatic stories shared by many students. “As a practitioner, I’ve heard the stories firsthand, and I’ve seen how the trauma impacts students, their families, and friends,” he stated. “Sexual violence is a nationwide issue, and we must address it in meaningful ways.”

Understanding the challenges and isolation that Title IX coordinators often face, Hammett intends to support them through education and leadership to make their work less daunting and more collaborative. A long-term goal for the institute includes hosting a statewide, multi-day conference each summer starting in 2025, featuring national and international experts in sexual violence and Title IX fields.

Dr. Hammett said it has been very positive to see institutions and organizations ready and willing to tackle these issues collaboratively. “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 emphasized. “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, but the opportunity for systemic change.”

With future plans to hire additional staff and expand its scope, for now, the focus of the institute is to continue providing sexual violence prevention grants, building strategic relationships, and expanding its footprint throughout the state.

For those interested in learning more about SCIP, further information can be found at scip.sc.gov.