In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Liz Seccuro, a rape survivor, victim’s advocate and the author of “Crash Into Me: A Survivor’s Search for Justice,” will speak at The University of Toledo at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 in Doermann Theater.

In 1984, Seccuro was gang-raped during her freshman year at the University of Virginia at a fraternity party. It would not be until 20 years later that Seccuro would receive justice through one attacker’s apology and criminal conviction.

The free, public lecture will focus on Seccuro’s experience, her path to justice, and her advocacy for other victims.

“This is a story of how a victim has endured the most horrible of acts, was re-victimized, and found the strength to embark on a journey of healing and victim advocacy,” said Dr. Kasey Tucker-Gail, associate professor of criminal justice and director of the UT Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness. “I cannot think of a better story of empowerment for our campus and community.”

Seccuro is a victims’ rights advocate and the founder of Sisters Together Assisting Rape Survivorss, a donor-advised fund that assists all survivors of rape, sexual assault and incest. She also teaches a few classes a year at Georgetown University’s Graduate School of Journalism on how to write responsibly about sex crimes and the art of interviewing victims of violence.

“We are thankful to the YWCA Hope Center for co-sponsoring this event with the Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness and the UT Office of Marketing and Communications,” Tucker-Gail said. “I encourage everyone to come and hear Liz Seccuro’s message.”

Seccuro’s talk is part of a series of events at UT for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. For the full list of events, go to utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/saepp/awareness-month.html.