How Students Can Combat Campus Sexual Violence

Here's what you need to know about the epidemic, and what you can do to help.

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Kelly Wairimu Davis, Thrive Global Campus Editor-at-Large from Columbia University

Welcome to our special section, Thrive on Campus, devoted to covering the urgent issue of mental health among college and university students from all angles. If you are a college student, we invite you to apply to be an Editor-at-Large, or to simply contribute (please tag your pieces ThriveOnCampus). We welcome faculty, clinicians, and graduates to contribute as well. Read more here.

Hello everyone!

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual assault awareness is a critical issue, especially on college campuses.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there were 16,977 VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) offenses on college campuses in 2017.

I think it is critical that women know what to do if they find themselves in a threatening situation. So, I decided to interview Tonda Linsey. Tonda is a self-defense Instructor, former veteran police officer & entrepreneur.

She created an organization called Empowered Defense that educates, trains, and liberates women and girls around the country in self-defense to be able to save themselves.

Check out our interview below! She gives awesome advice that will help so many people who are currently dealing with this issue, or could encounter it in the future.