WAU Convocation Speaker Erica Smith Delivers Powerful Message on Abuse Prevention

WAU Speaker Erica Smith Addresses Abuse Prevention at Convocation

TAKOMA PARK, Md. (Oct. 23, 2024) — Washington Adventist University (WAU) hosted a powerful convocation featuring Erica Smith, assistant director of Women’s Ministries for the North America Division (NAD). Smith urged students, staff, and faculty to confront abuse with empathy, awareness, and proactive support.

“It’s a dark and heavy subject,” Smith said. “But as a community and church, we are called to stand against injustice.”

Smith shared eye-opening statistics, revealing that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience intimate partner violence, often beginning in adolescence. “These behaviors don’t just appear in adulthood—they start as early as 12 to 18 years old,” she explained.

Challenging misconceptions, Smith emphasized that abuse crosses all boundaries. “Anyone can be a victim, and anyone can be an abuser,” she said. “It’s not an anger management issue—it’s about control and harm.”

A key part of Smith’s message was the importance of believing survivors. “Our role is not to investigate but to believe,” she stated. “We need to say, ‘I believe you,’ and let them know it’s not their fault. The responsibility always lies with the abuser.”

Smith warned that faith communities can unintentionally shield abusers. “Predators love churches because we welcome people with open arms,” she said. “We must do better in protecting the vulnerable among us.”

She urged the audience to watch for warning signs of abuse, including isolation, jealousy, and threats, reminding them that “every interaction is an intervention” and that everyone shares the responsibility to support survivors.

The convocation concluded with a prayer, reaffirming WAU’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive campus.

“Today’s convocation was very informative rather than it being a topic that is often pushed under the rug,” said Ariyanna Gross, a student attendee.

This event is part of WAU’s initiative, Happy Minds, Happy Hearts: A Year of Employee Well-being and Mental Health, organized by the HR office. “We don’t just want to address these issues but also provide practical tools and resources to help those affected and equip our campus community to offer support,” said Lily Snider Gregory, WAU’s HR Director. “The well-being of our employees and students is a top priority.”

Junior Aguilar, WAU’s Student Association (SA) President, reflected on the presentation’s impact. “The data on abuse within the SDA Church was startling but necessary to awaken the church to this reality,” Aguilar said. “It changed my perspective. I didn’t realize the extent of abuse within the SDA Church compared to the national average.”

Aguilar highlighted the relevance of the presentation for students. “The information on recognizing the signs of abuse during dating, especially in the video, was particularly relevant. Several couples around me were listening intently,” he noted. Aguilar also praised the presentation for providing resources. “Mrs. Smith gave practical guidance on where to seek help within the SDA Church and through government agencies.”

“The personal testimonies shared were powerful,” Aguilar added. “They resonated deeply because they felt so close to home.” He concluded by emphasizing the importance of addressing abuse. “This issue stands in direct opposition to the love Jesus taught, and it is a sin that must be acknowledged and addressed—both in our world and within our church.”

“Convocation provided me with another opportunity to learn how to better minister to those who are hurting and afflicted,” said Lysle Follette. “I was, and still am, grateful for the service provided.”

Dr. Jonathan Scriven, Associate Director of the Honors College shared, “The message given today was so important and relevant because students and the wider community need to know that there are resources out there, both public and private, where people can go who need help or need to confide in someone about the things that are happening to them.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, reach out to a trusted individual or contact WAU’s Student Life at (301) 891-0112. Additional support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788. All inquiries and conversations will remain confidential.