Valentine’s Day is an annual recognition of love, and this Feb. 14, UCF will mark the day with events that celebrate safe love and healthy relationships.

One Billion Rising, the global event where female survivors of violence and their supporters stand up and speak out, will start at noon Wednesday in the Student Union Atrium. Statistics show that 1 in 3 women will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. With the world population, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls in the world being affected, according to the One Billion Rising website.

The event, in its sixth year, is hosted by Victim Services. Those affected by gendered violence are encouraged to speak out against it using spoken word, dance, poetry, art, or whatever feels right to them.

One Billion Rising attendees also will have the opportunity to learn more about Let’s Be Clear, a campus initiative that sets forth expectations for behavior and shares information about support resources for all students and faculty and staff members impacted by sexual and relationship violence.

UCF stands against sexual and relationship violence, but the fact remains that these incidents occur on university campuses and in our society every day. Through the Let’s Be Clear initiative, UCF hopes to increase disclosure of these crimes.

Anyone who wants to ask a question or disclose a related concern can text 407-823-6868 at any time, day or night, and reach a UCF victim advocate. UCF Victim Services, which has long offered confidential support to students, faculty, and staff, can continue to be reached by 24/7 by phone at 407-823-1200.

More information about Let’s Be Clear also will be available before UCF men’s basketball takes on USF at 6 p.m. Feb. 14, at the CFE Arena.

The Let’s Be Clear Fair, open to all, will begin at 5 p.m. in front of the Arena. Fans and the community are invited learn more about Let’s Be Clear, as well as other campus and community resources dedicated to preventing interpersonal violence and supporting survivors. There will be games, giveaways and more.

Comprehensive information about what constitutes sexual violence, how UCF responds to such incidents, and how to get help is available at letsbeclear.ucf.edu. Reports to the Title IX coordinator also can be made on the Let’s Be Clear website.

Watch a message from students and faculty and staff members about Let’s Be Clear.