On many college campuses, sexual assault remains a difficult and often taboo topic to discuss. Resources for support and prevention go underutilized or are stigmatized. However, at Villanova, there’s a growing recognition that addressing these issues requires more than sporadic initiatives or brief mentions during Orientation. Through its support of the One Love Foundation, Villanova is demonstrating that creating a safer and more connected community isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a mission.
For years, sexual assault resources on campuses have been met with discomfort or avoidance. Conversations around these issues are frequently pushed to the side, reduced to vague mentions during orientation or moments of attention during awareness campaigns. While these efforts are steps in the right direction, they often feel impersonal or inaccessible, failing to resonate with the students who need them most.
It’s time to face the harsh reality: sexual assault and dating abuse are not rare or isolated occurrences. They are sadly deeply ingrained in the college experience.
The problem isn’t just the prevalence of abuse. It’s the silence and confusion surrounding it. More than half of all college students say it’s difficult to identify signs of dating abuse. Even when students recognize the problem, many feel unprepared to act. According to data from the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 58% of students say they don’t know how to help a friend who is a victim. Additionally, 38% admit they wouldn’t know where to go for help themselves.
This culture of uncertainty and hesitation leaves survivors isolated and critical resources overlooked. Too often, survivors are left to wonder whether their bruises—physical or emotional—will be met with empathy or dismissal.
This disconnect is where the work of organizations like One Love becomes essential. By fostering open conversations, providing relatable and current programming and reshaping how resources are delivered, One Love transforms a taboo topic into one that feels approachable.
Villanova has recognized that meaningful change requires more than just institutional efforts from staff and offices, it must actively engage the student body. By fostering collaboration between the Title IX Office and One Love, the University has embraced the power of peer-led initiatives. Students are far more likely to resonate with and act on messages delivered by their peers, as they see these voices as relatable and authentic.
“When change is driven by students themselves, it not only feels more personal but is also met with greater respect and receptivity,” student Maeve Sweeney said.
With Villanova’s support, One Love can continue to educate peers and turn them into facilitators.
As the President of Villanova’s chapter of One Love, I’ve witnessed the variety of ways this organization breaks through the stigma and makes resources more visible. One Love doesn’t just provide education about healthy relationships. It brings the topic of sexual assault prevention and relationship health to the community. Through Villanova’s backing, One Love initiatives have flourished on campus. The organization has held events, such as awareness campaigns and peer-led activities, to normalize conversations about healthy relationships on campus.
By collaborating with Greek life, student organizations and athletic teams, One Love ensures its message reaches a diverse audience. By focusing on education and empowerment, One Love ensures students are not only aware of the resources available to them but feel confident using them.
Villanova’s support of One Love goes beyond lip service. It reflects a genuine willingness to face difficult realities and work toward meaningful solutions. This mission is deeply personal to me. Coming into Villanova, I received a call from a close friend. This call was not about a memory or a shared laugh. Through the screen, she showed me a bruise, her voice trembling as she explained what had happened. I was 500 miles away, powerless to offer anything but my words and presence. She asked me to honor her silence and keep her story between us. I did, but I couldn’t shake the helplessness that consumed me. I couldn’t stop wondering: did I do enough? Could I have done more?
Those questions pushed me to use a resource in my hometown, the One Love Foundation. There, I found the tools and education to help her and better prepare myself to help others. As time passed, she began to heal and allowed me to tell her story, anonymously. Villanova gave me the platform to transform that helplessness into action. Prevention and education aren’t just optional; they’re essential.
This school’s reinstatement of One Love shows a commitment to long-term change that isn’t just about responding to a problem but about creating a campus culture that truly does follow its motto of “Veritas, Unitas, Caritas.”
By supporting this organization, Villanova proves that even the most difficult taboos can be challenged and changed. Together, we’re turning silence into dialogue, fear into empowerment and a big taboo into a salient issue.
Lea Menear • Jan 29, 2025 at 10:35 am
Excellent cogent reporting on such a difficult topic . Thank you Hudson .