Police honored for helping sexual assault survivors
Posted on: 4/15/2015; Updated on: 4/16/2015By Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina Division of Law Enforcement and Safety received an award at the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes ceremony on Wednesday, April 15, for its work to help survivors of sexual violence.
The Community Partner of the Year is awarded annually by Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands (STSM) to organizations that work to fulfill the mission of ending sexual violence. USC was one of four to receive this year’s award.
STSM Executive Director Ginny Walker praised USC law enforcement for going “above and beyond to not only be present and active at the many tables at which solutions are discussed, but also to treat survivors with kindness and respect, forming the kind of relationships that truly allow survivors to communicate their needs to and to feel safe in interacting with law enforcement.”
The USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety offers 24/7 assistance to survivors of sexual assault, develops crime awareness programs for the campus community and offers support to both survivors and witnesses during criminal court proceedings. In October, the division launched the RAVE Guardian smartphone app that allows USC faculty, staff and students to quickly connect to law enforcement, family and friends during an emergency.
Former Gamecock quarterback and current Cleveland Brown Connor Shaw served as the walk’s grand marshal and presented the award to UofSC Associate Vice President and Chief of Police Chris Wuchenich.
“We’re honored to receive this award from Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands,” Wuchenich said. “They have been a valued partner in our efforts to stop sexual assault and share our deep commitment to treating all survivors with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
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