In Salt Lake City, the unfortunate date October 22, 2018, will forever be seared into the memories of the Utah Athletics community. This was the tragic day when Lauren McCluskey, a star athlete in track and field, was brutally murdered by a former lover after her repeated calls for help were disregarded. This event occurred almost five years ago.
Ironically, while this horrific event should essentially have been preventable, it stimulated crucial debates not just within the local community, but nationwide about issues pertaining to domestic/dating violence, stalking, and the protection of those who live in fear of a partner, ex-partner, friend, or even occasional random admirers.
Jill and Matthew McCluskey, Lauren’s parents, together with her coach, Kyle Kepler, has relentlessly been striving to keep her story alive. They also aim to enhance the protective measures and support for victims of domestic/dating violence and stalking.
Concerning Figures on Dating/Domestic Violence and Stalking
Women constitute 85% of domestic violence victims, and one in every four women worldwide is likely to experience domestic/dating violence at some point in their lives. In the US, every nine seconds, a woman is either beaten or assaulted.
With regards to stalking, a report by the 2019 Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that females are nearly twice as likely to be stalked as males.
Partnering with @LMC_Foundation, we are providing a FREE self-defense course for women! Register here: https://t.co/6u9SyJmJ9e pic.twitter.com/Ggbgd6GVCi
— University of Utah Safety (@UofUSafety) September 28, 2023
Ultimately, these statistics imply that it is highly likely that you’ve come across at least one person in your lifetime who has grappled with dating/domestic violence and/or stalking. However, the complexity of these issues often means they underreported and rarely discussed overtly.
Consequently, the Lauren McCluskey Foundation is hoping to induce significant societal changes and perpetuate the memory of Lauren through these efforts.
The Lauren McCluskey Foundation
The mission of the Lauren McCluskey Foundation is to honor the life and legacy of Lauren by promoting awareness of, funding research into, and providing resources aimed at transforming cultures that fail to adequately respond to dating violence and stalking on campuses.
In the aftermath of McCluskey’s untimely death, The Lauren McCluskey Foundation was established to raise awareness, particularly on college campuses where her murder occurred, about the prevalent issues of dating violence and stalking.
An enormous thank you to everyone who supported the @LMC_Foundation during our Race for Campus Safety, @SASSGoGlobal self-defense classes, and Dinner & Auction. We greatly appreciate your tremendous support! pic.twitter.com/fMYZnSxeQZ
— Lauren McCluskey Foundation (@LMC_Foundation) October 3, 2023
Lauren’s Promise
One of LMF’s main campaigns is to encourage as many people as possible to commit to “Lauren’s Promise” as a pledge to provide better support for victims of dating/domestic violence and stalking.
The pillars of “Lauren’s Promise” include a vow to be a safe sanctuary for those who wish to share their experiences of sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking, promising to listen and believe the victims, and connecting victims with the appropriate support resources.
Race For Campus Safety
Aside from the “Lauren’s Promise” campaign, the Lauren McCluskey Foundation is also promoting the annual “Race For Campus Safety”. This event is held close to the anniversary of Lauren’s murder with dual objectives: raising awareness and gathering support for the victims.
It’s race week!! We welcome everyone to sign up (either in person or virtually). Let’s support the LMF in its important mission. The work they are doing is life-saving. Let’s help them continue this work in memory of Lauren! https://t.co/6KqTuoMDDG
— Kyle Kepler (@CoachKKepler) October 15, 2023
The race is not only designed to raise funds for the Foundation’s mission against dating/domestic violence and stalking but also to honor Lauren’s passion for running.
You can still sign up for the race, which will be held on the University of Utah campus at 8:00 a.m. MT on October 21, 2023.
For those who are in need of help in a domestic violence situation, the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition is always ready to extend assistance. Click here: https://udvc.org/
Michelle Bodkin is the Utah Utes Insider for KSLsports.com. She hosts both the Crimson Corner Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and The Saturday Show (on air every Saturday, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.) on The KSL Sports Zone. Follow her on X, Instagram, and Threads: @BodkinKSLsports
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