Liz Seccuro

Liz Seccuro is a victims' rights advocate, founder of STARS (Sisters Together Assisting Rape Survivors), and an author known for her work in supporting survivors of rape, sexual assault, and incest. She also holds a position at Georgetown University's Graduate School of Journalism, educating students on reporting responsibly about sex crimes and the art of interviewing victims of violence.

Seccuro's journey into advocacy began with her own harrowing experience at the University of Virginia in 1984 when she was drugged and raped by a fellow student, William Nottingham Beebe. Despite the lack of support from the university, her quest for justice only gained momentum years later when Beebe reached out with an apology, leading to his eventual arrest and conviction. Her story is detailed in her memoir "Crash Into Me: A Survivor's Search for Justice". Her advocacy extends to legislative work, having been involved in advocating for the enforcement of Title IX, the Clery Act, and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act.

Beyond her memoir, Seccuro is a frequent voice in the media, contributing to notable outlets like NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, The Daily Beast, Glamour, and Time Magazine. Her insights cover a wide range of topics including the prevention of gender-based violence and the integration of empathy in corporate strategies for handling such issues. Seccuro's commitment to education and advocacy is further evidenced by her roles on the Board of Trustees for SurvJustice, the Board of Directors for One in Four, and the National Advisory Council for RAINN. She is currently working on her second book, a novel, and continues to speak nationally on gender violence, the importance of bystander intervention, and the empowerment of survivors.

Accolades for her work include the Shining Star/Vision Award from Boston's Victim Rights Law Center and recognition from institutions like SAVI/NYC of Mt. Sinai Hospital. She continues her advocacy by contributing to discussions on military sexual assault, the NFL's culture of violence, and more. Her engaging presentations at institutions like Yale University, Georgetown University, and the Maryland Department of Human Resources have been widely acclaimed for their impact and insight.